Vigiles were an ancient Roman force primarily responsible for which functions?

• A. Fire suppression and night patrols.
• B. Tax collection and census taking.
• C. Military campaigns across the empire.
• D. An ancient Roman force responsible for fire suppression and night patrols.

Answer: (D)

Vigiles were Rome’s urban fire brigade and night watch. Their main job was to fight and prevent fires in the crowded city and to patrol streets at night to deter crime and maintain order. This role, created to protect the city from devastating fires and provide policing after sunset, set them apart from taxes or census administration or from the legions that conducted military campaigns across the empire. In short, their primary functions were fire suppression and night patrols.