The answer is not straightforward, as literacy among Roman soldiers varied greatly. While some soldiers were literate, many were not.
Factors Influencing Literacy:
- Social Class: Roman society was hierarchical, and literacy was more common among the upper classes. Soldiers from wealthy families were more likely to have received an education.
- Military Rank: Higher-ranking officers were more likely to be literate than ordinary soldiers. They needed to read and write orders, reports, and other official documents.
- Military Branch: Some branches of the Roman army, like the auxiliary troops, were recruited from less literate populations.
- Historical Period: Literacy rates in the Roman Empire fluctuated over time. During the Republic, literacy was more common than in the later Empire.
Evidence of Literacy:
- Military Diplomas: These documents, issued to soldiers upon completion of their service, often contained a written inscription.
- Graffiti: Inscriptions on walls and other surfaces found at military camps provide evidence of literacy among some soldiers.
- Personal Letters: Some soldiers wrote letters home, which were often found in archaeological digs.
Conclusion:
In summary, while some Roman soldiers were literate, many were not. Literacy among soldiers was influenced by factors such as social class, military rank, and historical period.
