Need some help coming up with this word/phrase...

[hiccupleftovers]

Hi guys. This might seem a bit out there, but I'm trying to describe something with a certain word/2-word phrase for something but I can't come up with it. I was hoping that maybe the collective knowledge of CAG might be able to help. It's sort of one of those SAT/college sounding phrases or words to describe a meager lifestyle or existence, or a sort of living similarly to a soldier's existence. The first word/word of the phrase begins with a P (I'm pretty sure) and has a Roman sound to it or describes a Roman infantry/soldier.

Anyone think they could help?

 

[eldergamer]

When someone is living Spartan they're said to be living simply and plainly. I'm not sure if that's quite what you mean.

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/spartan

 

[pure skill]

Proletariat ________

Look it up. I don't know what the second word would be. I hope it helps.