Meaning: The quote "The Roman legions were formed in the first instance of citizen soldiers, who yet had been made to submit to a rigid discipline, and to feel that in that submission lay their strength" by Goldwin Smith, a renowned historian, encapsulates the essence of the Roman military and the unique characteristics of its soldiers. In this quote, Goldwin Smith highlights the dual nature of the Roman legions, which were composed of citizen soldiers but were also subjected to strict discipline, emphasizing the paradox of individual freedom and collective discipline that defined the Roman military system.

The Roman legions were, indeed, initially formed by citizen soldiers who were drawn from the ranks of Roman citizens. These citizen soldiers were typically farmers, craftsmen, and other members of the Roman society who were obligated to serve in the military during times of need. This system of citizen-soldiery provided the Roman army with a large pool of manpower and a sense of shared responsibility for the defense and expansion of the Roman state.

However, the effectiveness of the Roman legions was not solely due to the sheer number of citizen soldiers. Goldwin Smith's quote points out that these soldiers were also subjected to a rigorous and unwavering discipline. The Roman military training and discipline were renowned for their strictness and emphasis on obedience and order. This discipline was instilled in the soldiers through a combination of training, punishment for disobedience, and a strong sense of collective identity and purpose. The soldiers were made to understand that their strength as a cohesive fighting force lay in their ability to adhere to the rules and commands of their superiors.

The phrase "to feel that in that submission lay their strength" underlines the psychological aspect of Roman military discipline. The soldiers were not only physically trained and controlled, but they were also made to internalize the idea that their submission to discipline was not a sign of weakness, but rather the source of their collective strength and effectiveness as a fighting force. This mindset was crucial in shaping the Roman soldiers' mindset, as it fostered a strong sense of unity, cohesion, and trust within the ranks of the legions.

Goldwin Smith's quote also sheds light on the broader theme of the relationship between individual freedom and collective discipline in the context of the Roman military. The Roman army, with its citizen-soldiers who were subjected to stringent discipline, exemplifies the delicate balance between individual autonomy and the needs of the collective. The Roman soldiers, while retaining their status as citizens, willingly submitted to the authority and discipline of the military, recognizing that their individual actions were in service of a greater, collective purpose.

In conclusion, Goldwin Smith's quote offers a concise yet profound insight into the nature of the Roman legions and the mindset of the citizen soldiers who comprised them. It highlights the unique combination of citizen-soldiery and strict discipline that characterized the Roman military, as well as the psychological and philosophical underpinnings of the soldiers' submission to discipline. This quote serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between individual freedom and collective discipline in the context of ancient military institutions, and it invites further exploration of the Roman military's enduring legacy in history.