ABSTRACT
As the Theodosian Code outlines, certain groups of people were debarred from military service (7.13.8). Slaves were only enlisted in times of emergency, such as occurred in 357 with the rebellion of Gildo, when Roman senators were urged to send some of their slaves into service (Jones 1964, 614). Freedom and two solidi were used as incentives for slaves to join up in 406, and those who had gained military experience by having soldiers as masters were particularly sought after (Jones 1964, 614). In general, however, those who were involved in degraded professions, such as cooks, bakers and innkeepers, were excluded from military service, as were freedmen. Citizens who held respectable positions, for example provincial officials and cur idles, were also exempt.
