Polybius on Roman Military Discipline

Polybius on Roman Military Discipline

Introduction

Polybius, a Greek commander who spent years on campaign with Roman armies in the second century B.C.E., stated the ideal Centurion was instilled with what today's U.S. military calls the “Core Values.” In the Air Force, they are Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in all we do”. Core Values are the descendant of Arete, the Greek value of competitive individual excellence. “Men displayed Arete as warriors and persuasive public speakers; the highest Arete for women was savvy management of a well-organized household of children, slaves, and the family's storerooms”. This commitment or drive imbues a passion of self sacrifice, honor, duty, and a commitment to end ones' life in the service of the realm rather than go home in disgrace. Using this philosophy a committed army, led by Centurions who Rome wanted “not so much to be bold and eager to take risks but rather to be capable of leadership and steady and solid in character, nor do they want them to initiate attacks and precipitate battle”, was successful in increasing Rome's rise in a barbaric time into a more “Western Civilization.” This ascension to an Empire and Republic further advanced the arts, technology, philosophy, and government systems that are being used or modeled after to this day.

Polybius also believed in the leadership in his Centurions, and these Centurions were like the Non-Commissioned Officers of today. They would use their minds strategically and confidently inspire the troops to “hold their position and stay in place even when they are losing the battle and will die to hold their ground”.

Discussion

The Greek historian Polybius was greatly impressed by the Roman republican system of checks and balances, which he saw as a combination of democracy, kingship and oligarchy. This liberal system (though ...