The Roman tattoo culture derived from that of the Greeks, a pattern common to many aspects of Roman culture. Despite widespread decorative tattooing among neighbouring peoples, the Greeks did not adopt the practice. The Romans did not use tattoos for decoration either. Their purpose was control and they were used to identify gladiators, soldiers, prisoners and slaves. Tattooing specific groups with clearly visible signs made monitoring their movements easier. From the fourth century, Roman recruits were tattooed with the emblems of their units. Apart from their administrative use, according to Plato, tattoos were also used as punishment. Another reason was humiliation.