Roman Commanders Sacrificing themselves

[MrMofo]

I have a question about this.

Roman commanders would sometimes, though rarely i gather, sacrifice themselves upon the swords of their enemies in order to inspire their troops. And I mean sacrifice literally. They would dedicate their deaths to the gods, prepare their *souls* and then hurl themselves at their enemy in a berzerker-like frenzy until they were cut down.

I believe i read about this in Goldsworthy's In the Name of Rome, but i'm not certain of that. My collection is far away at the moment.

My question is, what is this practice called? And to whom would they dedicate themselves? And any examples anybody knows of this would be appreciated as well. Thanks in advance.

[DAVIDE]

That is called devotio. The riitual basically was the Pontifex Maximus said the prayer, and the general who dedicated himself repeated it, leaning on a spear, and dressed in a toga. With the toga over his head, the commander rode to the enemy. If he survived, he was never to perform religious acts any more; if an ordinary soldier had dedicated himself to the Underworld and had survived, a statue with a height of seven feet had to be buried instead

[hellheaven1987]

Devotion??

[DAVIDE]

Yes. Self dedication to the gods of underworld but it required a specific ritual to be done

[MrMofo]

Thank you sir. I find that a truly fascinating practice. There's such an image of a republican and modern army surrounding Rome and her commanders, but in truth, much of it was very barbaric and superstitious. Single combat wasn't uncommon as well.

[torongill]

Hmm, I remember reading of one such example: at Pharsallus, Caius Crastinus, evocati centurion of the Tenth legion of Caesar was devoted and charged at the head of 120 picked volunteers. Caesar mentions him dying deep in the enemy ranks, killed by a sword thrust to the mouth. After the battle Caesar commented that this officer had gained him victory and had a tomb made for him.

[DAVIDE]

Hmm, I remember reading of one such example: at Pharsallus, Caius Crastinus, evocati centurion of the Tenth legion of Caesar was devoted and charged at the head of 120 picked volunteers. Caesar mentions him dying deep in the enemy ranks, killed by a sword thrust to the mouth. After the battle Caesar commented that this officer had gained him victory and had a tomb made for him.

Publius Decius Mus in the battle at Sentinum, Marcus Curtius , Publius Afranius Potitus during Caligula's era etc. etc. but during imperial age, devotio was used to describe the self-sacrifices for the well-being of the emperor