Decimation (punishment)
Decimation, from the Latin decimatio, meaning "removal of a tenth", was an extreme form of Roman military discipline used to punish units that had displayed cowardice, mutiny, or insubordination. It involved the random execution of one out of every ten soldiers in the offending unit.
Procedure:
The procedure typically involved the following steps:
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Assembly: The entire unit designated for decimation was assembled.
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Selection by Lot: The unit was divided into groups of ten soldiers. Each group drew lots, and the soldier who drew the marked lot (or whose name was drawn, depending on the source) was to be executed.
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Execution: The selected soldier was then executed, usually by his fellow soldiers. This was often carried out by stoning, clubbing, or other brutal methods. The survivors were then forced to live with the knowledge that they had participated in the death of a comrade and lived under a cloud of shame and potential ostracism.
Purpose:
The primary purpose of decimation was to restore order and discipline within the Roman army through a severe deterrent. It was intended to be a public and terrifying example of the consequences of failure and disloyalty. The collective guilt and trauma experienced by the surviving soldiers were also believed to be effective in preventing future insubordination.
Effectiveness and Usage:
Decimation was considered a rare and drastic measure. It was only used in cases of extreme misconduct that threatened the stability and effectiveness of the Roman army. While effective in instilling fear, it could also be counterproductive, potentially leading to further resentment and rebellion if not applied judiciously. Historical sources indicate that decimation was not employed frequently, suggesting its use was reserved for the most dire circumstances. The last recorded instance of decimation in the Roman army occurred during the reign of Emperor Galba in AD 68.
Beyond Rome:
While primarily associated with the Roman army, the term "decimation" has occasionally been used in other contexts to describe a severe reduction in population or resources, although not necessarily carried out by execution. This broader usage is a metaphor derived from the original Roman practice.