A measure of the desperate straits of the Roman military in the third century was the use of ________ in the army.

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The use of mercenaries was a sign of the Roman military's desperate situation. As the empire faced numerous threats and suffered defeats at the hands of invading forces, the Roman army increasingly relied on mercenaries to bolster its ranks. This was particularly evident during the third century crisis, when the empire was beset by civil wars, external invasions, and economic turmoil. The use of mercenaries was viewed as a cheaper alternative to maintaining a standing army, but it also undermined Roman military discipline and loyalty.

A Measure of the Desperate Straits of the Roman Military