Episode #218
Marcus Aurelius and the Legionary Pay Raise
In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore a rarely discussed but pivotal moment in the reign of Marcus Aurelius: his decision to increase legionary pay by a third. This move, which set a precedent for later emperors, came at a time of financial strain from the Marcomannic Wars and the Antonine Plague. The episode delves into the economics of the Roman army, the logistics of funding such an increase, and the political calculations behind it. Lucas explains how the raise was financed, including the controversial auction of imperial property, and how it impacted the soldiers' loyalty and the broader empire. He also connects this to Marcus's Stoic philosophy, showing how his practical decisions were often at odds with his philosophical ideals. The conversation touches on the roles of Cassius Dio and the Historia Augusta in documenting this event, and the episode ends with a reflection on the long-term consequences of this pay raise, which would later strain the empire's finances. Tune in for a nuanced look at the philosopher king as a pragmatic ruler navigating the challenges of war and plague. #MarcusAurelius #RomanArmy #LegionaryPay #MarcomannicWars #AntoninePlague #CassiusDio #HistoriaAugusta #Stoicism #RomanEmpire #AncientRome #MilitaryHistory #EconomicHistory #ImperialFinances #DanubeFrontier #PraetorianGuard #RomanSoldiers #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
