Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Episode Summary: "Sex Lives of the Roman Legion"
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Hosts: Kate Lister and Alex Meddings
Guest: Rome-based historian Alex Meddings
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society, host Kate Lister delves into the intimate and often overlooked aspects of the Roman Legion's social dynamics. Joined by Rome-based historian Alex Meddings, the discussion unpacks the complexities of love, sexuality, and societal norms within one of history's most formidable military forces.
The Roman Legion: Structure and Discipline
Kate and Alex begin by examining the Roman Legion's renowned discipline and organizational prowess, which were pivotal to Rome's expansive conquests. Alex emphasizes that "the discipline, equipment, organization, and artillery" set the legions apart from their contemporaries ([08:17]). He details the meticulous training and hierarchical structure that ensured operational efficiency and battlefield supremacy.
Notable Quote:
Alex Meddings ([08:17]): "They had the unique advantage in the ancient world of being able to pummel their enemies at a distance using ballistas before slowly walking towards them... then charge them with a mass of men and steel."
Recruitment and Soldier Profile
The episode delves into the stringent recruitment criteria for legionaries. To serve in the Roman Legion, one had to be a Roman citizen, at least 5 foot 7 inches tall, under the age of 35, and pass rigorous physical examinations. Alex humorously notes the logistical challenges, likening Roman soldiers' stringent standards to modern-day bureaucratic hurdles.
Notable Quote:
Kate Lister ([14:39]): "The only time in history men have been quite happy to be short. They're like, oh, sorry guys, I'm five foot five."
Life in the Legion: Benefits and Challenges
Kate and Alex explore the dual nature of life as a legionary. On one hand, soldiers enjoyed numerous benefits such as steady pay, medical care, pensions, and the possibility of social mobility. Alex highlights that "25 years of service during the empire would get you 10 years of pay upon retirement and sometimes land in a faraway colony" ([20:13]).
However, the life of a soldier was fraught with dangers, including the constant threat of battle and the harsh punishments for misconduct. The concept of "decimation"—a brutal punishment where one in ten soldiers was killed for the failings of the unit—underscored the severe discipline enforced within the ranks ([09:54]).
Notable Quote:
Alex Meddings ([09:54]): "Decimation is when an entire unit... has disgraced itself. The punishment... is that the entire unit is rounded up and 1 in 10 men will be beaten to death by the others in the unit."
Gender Dynamics and the Presence of Women
A significant portion of the episode addresses the role and perception of women within the Roman Legion. Contrary to some scholarly assertions, evidence suggests that women, including concubines and camp followers, were present in military camps. Kate references archaeological finds, such as shoes and a wooden dildo discovered at Vindolanda, indicating female presence and possibly more complex social interactions than previously assumed ([29:53]).
Notable Quote:
Alex Meddings ([27:32]): "It's not like Roman, but all you have to do is look at shoe finds from Vindolanda and you find there are shoes belonging to women, children in abundance."
Despite their presence, women were not part of the official military structure. Their roles were primarily supportive—cooks, housekeepers, and sexual companions. Kate and Alex discuss how elite officers might have had their families live with them, but this was not common for the average soldier.
Notable Quote:
Kate Lister ([35:42]): "We have grave inscriptions, for example, of freed veterans who are marrying these focardii."
Homosexuality and Sexual Regulations
The episode explores the Roman attitudes towards homosexuality, particularly within the military. Romans placed a strong emphasis on masculinity and viewed the passive role in homosexual acts as emasculating. This stigmatization led to strict penalties for those who did not conform to the expected sexual norms.
Alex explains that while active participants did not face harsh punishments, the passive ones could be subjected to severe penalties, including death by cudgel ([44:56]). This enforcement was rooted in the belief that such vulnerabilities on the battlefield could be exploited by enemies.
Notable Quote:
Alex Meddings ([44:56]): "Polybius... tells us that there was a punishment if you were caught being the passive party, and that is basically your cudgel to death."
Influence of Women and Personal Relationships
Despite official prohibitions, the personal influence of women on soldiers, especially among the elite, played a role in the dynamics of the Roman Legion. Kate and Alex speculate on how relationships and the presence of women at the camps could have impacted soldiers' morale and decision-making processes.
Notable Quote:
Alex Meddings ([37:53]): "I think there is a matriarch... women probably did influence some of their husbands' thinking."
Social Mobility and Post-Service Life
Serving in the Roman Legion offered a pathway to social mobility, especially for non-elite citizens. Upon retirement, soldiers—particularly auxiliaries—could receive citizenship, land, and a respectable pension, elevating their social status significantly. This incentivized military service, despite its inherent risks.
Notable Quote:
Alex Meddings ([48:57]): "We think about 50% of those who enlisted probably survived to retire... it's not too bad unless you're one of those unfortunate 50% who don't survive."
Conclusion
The episode wraps up by reflecting on the dual nature of life in the Roman Legion—balancing rigorous discipline and societal benefits with the personal sacrifices and strict moral codes imposed on soldiers. Kate and Alex conclude that, despite its challenges, serving in the Roman Legion was considered a prestigious and relatively advantageous career choice in its historical context.
Notable Quote:
Alex Meddings ([48:11]): "It's much better to be in the Roman legion than in any other army that legion might come up against."
Additional Resources
For listeners interested in exploring more about the Roman Legion and its societal implications, Alex Meddings invites them to visit his websites:
- Alexandermeddings.com: Offers detailed tours around Rome and the Appian Way.
- Appiawithalex.com: Allows booking of private tours directly.
End of Summary
For those who enjoyed this episode, be sure to explore more intriguing stories about historical societies on Betwixt The Sheets. Don't forget to vote for the podcast at the British Podcast Awards and follow the series for upcoming episodes on Catherine the Great and Victorian sex work scandals.