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Sorry that this is not Military in nature but Ive been curious for a while. We all know that back in ancient Rome anyone who wanted to be a magistrate or senator had to be independantly wealthy because unlike now politicians were not paid a wage from tax money. What i was wondering is what about the religious offices of Ancient Rome such as Pontifex maximus, flamines and vestal virgins. were they paid a salary or allowance from Romes treasury? or did they also have to be wealthy before hand because there was no pay for their jobs?
Richard
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Don't have a reference to hand, but the senior appointments - certainly Pontifex Maximus - was a political appointment and later in the gift of the Emperor. Vestal Virgins were women nominated from the "best" families and buried in the mists of the Roman tribal system, and aristocratic.
As for the lower end, I think they were supported by donations.
Moi Watson
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Merlot in one hand, Cigar in the other; body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, what a ride!