One of the main reasons the Roman Empire had such a long reign was because of their army and the benefits it gave to those who became soldiers. Being a soldier was the first full time paid profession in military history which gave the citizens an incentive to join the army. Also their training was brutal and they were taught to fight in a skilled way. The Legionnaires were handpicked Roman citizens who were known to be courageous and were willing to fight and die for Rome. Having these patriotic soldiers at the forefront of the Roman army showed that they were well prepared and a force to be reckoned with as they expanded and conquered.