A few questions about Lictors

[caldrail]

First and foremost the fasces is a symbol of office, not a weapon per se. As regards to weight I couldn't say although these lictors must have found it bearable. A good job? Probably. I haven't read about problems with lictors and the impression I get is that they took their responsibilities very seriously, so it was a job that brought respect certainly.

[Antiochus of Seleucia]

Coincidentally, I just read this a few minutes ago from my Roman Law book:

 

Every Vestal, like the higher flamens, was preceded by a single lictor wherever she went, and her person was sacrosanct.

 

Basically it is quite evident that they have more responsibilities than follow Consuls around, they also protect and signify the power of religious icons too.

[Gaius Paulinus Maximus]

Lictors had quite a few other jobs than just escorting consuls, they sometimes escorted private citizens on special occasions like funerals or political reunions as a show of respect from the city.

 

There was also the Lictor Curitas who were religious lictors and carried no fasces, these were at the command of the Pontifex Maximus, and were present at sacrifices, they were incharge of the sacrificial animal. I think these were the one's who escorted the vesals about.