Decimation (Military punishment)

Decimation was a severe military discipline practice used by ancient Roman armies, where one in ten soldiers in a unit was executed as punishment for mutiny, cowardice, or failure. The soldiers to be executed were chosen by lot, and the punishment aimed to enforce discipline and deter others from disobedience. This harsh method reflected the military's strict hierarchy and emphasis on discipline, and although rarely used, it served as a brutal reminder of the consequences of insubordination within the ranks.