décimation

Décimation was a brutal form of punishment in the Roman army. It was employed as a disciplinary measure for grave offenses committed by entire units, such as mutiny or desertion. The process involved dividing the offending soldiers into groups of ten. One soldier from each group was chosen by lot to be executed by his nine comrades. This meant that nine out of every ten soldiers in the condemned unit would be put to death. The remaining survivors were often subjected to other harsh punishments, including being given half rations and forced to sleep outside the camp. The primary goal of décimation was to instill terror and ensure absolute obedience within the ranks. While its exact frequency and application are debated by historians, it is understood to have been a rare but potent tool of control used by Roman commanders. The term "décimation" has since entered modern language, often used figuratively to describe a severe reduction in numbers or widespread destruction, though its historical context refers specifically to this Roman military practice.