Veterans of the Roman Army as Members of the Municipal Elite in Moesia Superior

Abstract

The aim of this paper would be to examine the social status and role of veterans of the Roman army in the municipal life in Moesia Superior. Scant epigraphic evidence suggests that discharged soldiers rarely took an active part in the administration of the towns which they had chosen as places of their retirement. This picture is in accordance with the situation throughout the Roman Empire. Legionary and auxiliary veterans are attested as decurions and magistrates of the municipia and colonies of Moesia Superior. Some of them were wealthy enough to finance the construction of architectural structures, such as temples or baths. Most of the veterans who had participated in municipal administration and public life of their respective communities were duplicarii during their military service. Their favourable economic and social situation made them more eager to undertake municipal offices and duties than men discharged as ordinary soldiers.