Retirement, a concept rooted in modern culture, has its roots many years ago, specifically in Ancient Rome. Over the years, the idea of retiring and enjoying a break after having worked for years has evolved, but the origin of retirement dates back to the Romans, their armies and troops. You want to know more? In H&L Comedy Tours We come to tell you the whole story. Although don't worry that synthesis is our second last name, you already know that historical events are not rushed, they always go at their own pace and without worrying about the clock!

The origin of retirement and the Romans

The Romans established what is known today as the first formal retirement system. Veteran soldiers who had already served the army during their youth years, became receive a pension after completing years of military service. This gave them an opportunity to rest and enjoy a much quieter life. The opportunity to spend a “romantic and romantic” last stretch of life. Surely they noticed the change and that their work in the military service was demanding and dangerous in equal measure. Between marches, training and battles, they didn't need to go to the gym! The Roman army was its own “Crossfit” or in Latin: “”Crucis Confectus”!

When this system was established, it was a pioneering change in society. Few knew that it would end up becoming the foundations for the subsequent development of current retirement systems. Surely if we start to compare each current system with the origin of retirement, there will be no shortage of differences, but the concept by which they emerged remains the same. 

For them, it was a sign of respect and reward for all those brave people who had contributed to society. Therefore, when the mandatory years of service passed, they could enjoy freedom and rest. Currently, retirement is understood as a vitally important stage in people's lives, the time to rest and take advantage of everything that has been worked during the years of youth, maturity and old age. (discarding France). Do you know what a retiree's first project is? Ditch the alarm clock and become your own time boss!

 How did they retire in Roman times? 

The retirement system has not stopped changing since its inception and each country has adapted it to its situation, laws and reality. The Romans didn't come up with the concept in a single shot either, They adapted their laws over the years until they found the foundations of what we understand today as retirement. 

Before there was a 'retirement' pension, the Romans created laws to protect the elderly, among them was the Stork's Law (nothing to do with handing babies out the window). This law obliged children to take care of their older ancestors, protecting them and providing them with the food they needed.

Years later, the Roman army awarded soldiers who had served for more than 25 years compensation for their services. The compensation was a plot of land and the monetary equivalent of 12 years' pay at the time. At that time, retirement or compensation, upon reaching an age, was reserved for soldiers enlisted in the army, not for the entire population. 

Who was a soldier in Roman times? 

It may be difficult for many to imagine the situation today, but in Roman times, Soldiers enlisted voluntarily at age 20. His training had nothing to envy of CrossFit. They spent 4 months of hard training to be able to join the army and from that moment on, they spent 25 years active. It was hard, demanding work that required a great physique to be able to withstand the pace. Besides, In times of need, it became a mandatory service, the recruitment age could even be lowered to increase the number of soldiers. 

If they managed to carry out their work and reached retirement age, they counted on the remuneration to be able to enjoy their retirement years with greater peace of mind. These settled in cities or stable population centers to be able to rest and live enjoying what they had achieved at the time of retirement. One of the favorite cities to retire was Barcino itself or Roman Barcelona. Nothing has changed in two thousand years!

Retirement age and life expectancy in Roman times. 

Citizens enlisted at age 20 and served for 25 more years in the army, so retirement reached the age of 45. It seems like a premature age to retire from active life, but a large number of soldiers died before reaching that age. The life expectancy of the time and the danger of his work in the army claimed many lives before their time. At that time, life was so short that every day was “carpe diem” and you had to make the most of it!

The system caused tensions in the economy of the time and it is Even with the short life expectancy, there were times when the army had problems being able to pay all salaries to the soldiers. who reached the age to claim it. It is ironic that thousands of years later, there are still headaches with pension systems, governments and the economy, in this case, history has not served as an example. The pension system, as you are thinking, is the closest thing to plucking a daisy when you are in love, it's my turn, it's not my turn, it's my turn, it's not my turn!

Did you know the origin of retirement? Bet on historical tourism and find out all the curiosities with the tours from H&L Comedy Tours. An innovative bet to learn the secrets of history with a comical touch, so that you are guaranteed to have a smile throughout your visit. Because our motto is that humor and history do not have to be at odds. Do you know the difference between a guided tour and a Roman army? On a guided tour, you know that if you follow the guide and listen to his explanations everything will be fine. In a Roman army, if you followed the guide, and didn't listen to his orders, you could start to tremble!