RECRUITMENT IN THE ROMAN ARMY: TRANSFORMATIONS DURING THE MONARCHY, REPUBLIC, AND PRINCIPATE PERIODS

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the developmental stages of recruitment processes in the Roman army during the Kingdom, Republic, and Principate periods, examining their social, economic, and political dimensions. Rome's transformation from a relatively small city-state to a vast empire is closely linked to changes in the army's source of manpower, organizational structure, and loyalty relationships. In this context, the recruitment process should not be considered merely as a means of obtaining soldiers. Therefore, the process should be regarded as one of the fundamental elements shaping Rome's organizational identity and understanding of legitimacy. The work examines ancient sources alongside modern literature using a comparative-historical method. In addition, archaeological data, epigraphic findings (recruitment inscriptions, veteran diplomas), and modern research are combined to present a multifaceted analysis. The findings show that during the Kingdom period, recruitment was based on a property-based and tribal citizen militia model; during the Republic period, the expanding war geography and economic crises forced the military structure towards institutionalization; and during the Principate period, a centralized and institutional army mechanism was established in line with Augustus' reforms. In conclusion, this research argues that recruitment practices in the Roman army were not merely a simple military organizational process, but also revealed the institutional structure, legitimacy, and social transformation of the Roman state.