Il Soldato più Decorato della Storia di Roma

Contrary to modern times, in ancient Rome, receiving a decoration was the highest symbol of recognition for the dedication and loyalty of a soldier. Among all the Roman fighters, one stands out as the most decorated of the entire Roman army. Today's video tells the story of Spurius Ligustinus. He received 34 awards for his courage in combat and was also honored with six civic crowns during his career in the Roman army. During the Roman Republic, the civic crown was of significant importance to the citizens. It was considered the second highest military decoration that a soldier could receive. Obtaining the civic crown was a difficult task. To be taken into account for this prestigious honor, a soldier had to not only save the life of a Roman citizen, but also defeat the adversary and guarantee the preservation of the battle site. In addition, the saved individual had to publicly declare the heroic act, thus increasing the challenge to obtain the crown. Spurius Ligustinus, originally from the mountainous region of the Italian peninsula, lived in the second century BC and had a modest education. He was born in the province of Sabina, in a hut located in a small country house inherited by his father. In 200 BC, during the consulate of Publius Sulpicius Galba and Gaius Aurelius, Spurius Ligustinus decided to enlist in the Roman army. He was commissioned to fight against the Macedonians, led by King Philip V, who at that time was an ally of Hannibal Barca. Under the guidance of General Tito Flaminio, Spurius Ligustinus and his legion companions achieved a significant triumph over Philip V in the battle of Cinocephalae. This marked an important victory for the Roman legions against the Macedonian phalanges. Following this event, Philip was forced to accept a peace treaty with which Macedonia became a subordinate state under the authority of the Roman Empire. Tito Flaminio was impressed by the courage and audacity shown by his soldier Spurius. As a result, he decided to promote him to the position of centurion of the tenth manipulus of the Hastati, a class of infantry of the Roman army. Spurius received this promotion only three years after being enlisted in the Roman army. After the defeat at Macedonia, he volunteered to participate in the countess of Hispania during the consulate of Catone il Vecchio. The campaign of Hispania was a success and, as a result, the Senate decreed a three-day ceremony for all the soldiers of Catone. In 194 BC, the soldiers returned to Rome and were honoured with a Roman triumph. During the parade, numerous objects of value were displayed and Catone distributed the prize in money among his soldiers. Spurius, who was already quite rich, was promoted for his courage to the position of centurion of the first legion of the Hastati. In 191 BC, after his campaign in Hispania, Spurius Ligustinus offered to serve in the army under the command of the Roman general Manius Acilius Glabrio. The two engaged in a battle against the Aetoli, who were under the command of King Antiochus III the Great. In that period, Annibale had taken refuge at Antiochus III after the defeat in the Second Punic War. At the end of the campaign, Rome came out victorious and, as a result, Spurius was promoted to the esteemed rank of centurion of the first legion of the veteran legionaries. During his 22 years of career in the army, he participated in numerous campaigns and earned the respect and admiration of his superiors. When Spurius approached the end of his career, he was presented with the possibility of being nominated for a final promotion within the Roman army. He and his generals presented their arguments to the consul to be promoted to the rank of centurion primus pilus, which was the highest rank achievable for a common soldier in the Roman army of that time. On that occasion, Spurius had the opportunity to deliver a touching speech in front of the most important officials of Rome. He declared, The consul was moved by his words and approved the proposal to the Senate, which in the end approved the promotion of Spurius to centurion primus pilus. During his career, Spurius Ligustinus participated in a Roman triumph, was promoted primus pilus and received 34 recognitions for acts of courage and 6 crowns. It is not surprising that he holds the record for the most decorated soldier in the history of the Roman army. If you want to know more about the history of this Roman centurion, remember to like this video and subscribe to our channel.