Effective Command and the Strength of Pompey’s Legions

In the tumultuous era of the ancient Roman Republic, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, known commonly as Pompey, stood out as a figure of significant military and political prowess. One of the many intriguing questions surrounding Pompey is the number and strength of the legions he commanded. As a consul during his career, Pompey led several legions, each comprising thousands of soldiers. This article delves into the specifics of the legions Pompey possessed and their numerical strength, offering a comprehensive understanding of ancient Roman military organization.

The Consular Year and Legions under Pompey's Command

Perhaps the most notable period in Pompey's military career was his consulship in 62 BC. During this time, he possessed a total of two legions, each consisting of six thousand men. The Roman legions of the time were organized into several distinct elements, and the composition of these legions underwent transformation from the earlier Marian reforms. Nonetheless, the core structure of Pompey’s legions remained consistent with the traditional Roman military organization of that period.

The Numerical Composition of Pompey’s Legions

Each of Pompey’s legions comprised a significant number of soldiers. In a standard Roman legion, the numerical strength was around six thousand men. However, it is essential to consider that this count does not exclusively refer to Roman citizens. The Roman army often included non-Roman citizens and auxiliaries, both of whom played a crucial role in the military campaigns.

Tasks of Roman Citizens and Non-Roman Auxiliaries

During Pompey’s time, Roman citizens formed the core of the legions, comprising about five thousand soldiers. These legionaries were highly trained and reliably combat-ready. Non-Roman citizens, also known as auxiliaries, were other nationalities fighting alongside the Roman army for monetary reward and often for the sake of political loyalty or military ambition. They provided additional support with various roles, from cavalry to logistical units.

Extra Non-Roman Citizen Infantry Auxiliaries

It is important to acknowledge the presence of these non-Roman infantry auxiliaries as they significantly augmented the strength and flexibility of Pompey's legions. The troops from provinces such as Gaul, Hispania, and other Roman territories often joined the legion as auxiliaries. These auxiliary forces were often employed for tasks such as scouting, guerrilla warfare, and providing additional heavy or light infantry. Their contribution was vital to the success of Roman military campaigns, particularly in external conflicts.

Conclusion: The Comprehensive Strength of Pompey’s Legions

In conclusion, during his consulship, Pompey commanded a total of two legions, each comprising approximately six thousand men. While the count of six thousand implicitly refers to the Roman citizens, it is crucial to recognize the substantial presence and contribution of non-Roman infantry auxiliaries, significantly enhancing the overall might of his forces. The structure and strength of the Roman legions under Pompey reflect the sophistication and resilience of the Roman army in the latter stages of the Roman Republic.

Further Reading

For readers interested in delving deeper into the complexities of Roman military organization and the role of Pompey in Roman history, the following works are recommended:

The Military Machine of the Roman Republic and Empire by Ronald S. Caves The Age of Pompey by MaxBo Davis The Roman Army and Auxiliaries under Augustus: Strengths and Numbers by Michael L. Speidel

These resources will help deepen your understanding of Pompey, his legions, and the broader context of Roman military history.