Plunder

Men might join for pay, adventure, a sense of duty or the prospect of plunder. Recruitment could also involve royal requirements and officials rather than being entirely voluntary.

Priscus’ capture of the Latin town of Apiolae produced unexpectedly large amounts of plunder. Livy describes this wealth being brought to Rome in wagons and used to celebrate games more splendidly than those of earlier kings. Military victory therefore had an immediate economic benefit and a visible political use: the king could present himself as a successful leader who brought rewards to Rome.