Uncovering the History of Canabae: The Military Barracks of the Roman Empire

Canabae (singular: canaba) were the quarters or districts where the auxilia, the non-citizen soldiers of the Roman Empire, lived and trained. These soldiers were recruited from various provinces and were not granted full Roman citizenship. The word "canabae" is derived from the Latin word "cannabis," which referred to hemp or marijuana, and was likely used to describe the military barracks because they were made of hemp or had a hemp-like smell.

The canabae were typically located outside the main fortifications of a Roman legionary base, and were often surrounded by a ditch and a palisade. They were designed to house and train the auxilia, who were responsible for supporting the legions in battle. The canabae were also used as storage facilities for military equipment and supplies.

Over time, the term "canaba" came to be used more broadly to refer to any type of military barracks or camp, regardless of whether they were used by auxilia or other troops. Today, the word "canaba" is still used in some contexts to refer to a military base or camp.