Why wold roman troops be more loyal to their generals than the emperor?

Roman troops often exhibited greater loyalty to their generals than to the emperor due to personal bonds formed during military campaigns, where shared experiences fostered loyalty and trust. Generals, who often came from the ranks of the army, understood the soldiers' needs and aspirations, creating a sense of camaraderie. Additionally, generals could offer tangible rewards, such as land and spoils of war, which directly benefitted the soldiers, further solidifying their allegiance. In times of political instability or perceived neglect from the emperor, soldiers might prioritize loyalty to their immediate commander over distant imperial authority.