>>509834967>Very little. Ancient and medieval soldiers got paid very little as well. Loot was supposed to supplement that pay.>There is a well-documented historical account of Roman soldiers digging for treasure based on a rumor during the campaigns of Pompey Magnus in Africa around 82–81 BCE. This episode is notable for illustrating both the discipline and the human weaknesses of Roman legionaries, particularly their susceptibility to greed and rumors of hidden wealth.During Pompey's campaign against the remnants of Marius' forces in Africa, his legions landed near the ruins of Carthage. According to several ancient sources and modern retellings, a rumor quickly spread among the soldiers that vast treasures were buried in the ruins of Carthage, remnants of the city's legendary wealth before its destruction by Rome. The rumor gained traction when a few soldiers allegedly discovered some valuables and boasted about their find to the rest of the army.
This led to a massive, unauthorized treasure hunt: soldiers abandoned their military duties, put aside their weapons, and began digging furiously throughout the area in search of more treasure. Pompey himself was unable to restore order, as the soldiers were too consumed by the prospect of sudden riches. Rather than punish them, Pompey is said to have reacted with humor—walking among the digging soldiers, joking about their lack of success, and suggesting they try digging in other spots.
The treasure hunt lasted several days, during which the landscape became pockmarked with holes. Ultimately, the soldiers found nothing of value. Exhausted and disappointed, they returned to Pompey, admitting their folly and asking to be led back to proper military action, claiming they had learned their lesson through their fruitless labor
