THE ROMAN ARMY

Without the well-trained and disciplined Roman Legions, there would have been no Roman Empire. The soldiers were the first Romans into a new area. They came, they saw, they conquered. And they ruthlessly maintained order so civilization could take root and dominate.

VENI, VIDI, VICI

How was the Roman Army organised?

• Main part of the army was the LEGION

• This was made up of 5000 men under the command of the LEGATE

How the Roman Army was organised?...

• The legion was divided into ten cohorts

• Each cohort was made up of six centuries

• The centuries were commanded by a centurion

• Centuries originally had 100 men but 80 was normal

• http://www.bandbhadrianswall.com/thewall.htm

Centurion

How the Roman Army was organised

• The centurions were very important men

• They were responsible for training the soldiers under their command and making sure everyone obeyed orders.

• Some were very cruel

Standard Bearers• Each century had its own emblem or

standard.• This was carried by the standard bearer, a

very experienced and trusted soldier• To lose your standard was a great disgrace

(as in “THE EAGLE OF THE NINTH” story)

Standard Bearers … cont’d…

Standard Bearers … cont’d…

How to become a Legionary?

• You had to be a Roman citizen

• You had to be physically fit and 1.6m tall

• You were expected to stay in the army for 25 years

Training• Most soldiers joined

between 18-20 years old

• There were three 30km marches each month

• On each march the legionary would carry 25 kilos of equipment

Training• Legionaries would

also learn drill, or marching

• This was important for learning manoeuvres in battle

• New recruits were given shields and swords twice as heavy as the real thing!

Who else was in the Army?• Auxiliaries- These were

soldiers from lands conquered by the Romans who volunteered to fight for the Romans

• many of these had special skills-and formed units like cavalry, archers, pikemen, etc.

• But most fought with a sword and short spear

Who else was in the Army?

• Auxiliaries could earn Roman citizenship if they lasted 25 years

• As veterans they earned farm land on the frontier

• Children and all descendants also inherited citizenship

Auxiliaries… cont’d

Auxiliaries• Thought of by Romans as second class

soldiers , paid less and not trained as rigorously

• Odds were 50/50 of surviving 25 years of service

• Only half made it…

Hadrian’s Wall

• Built by 10 000 soldiers in 2 years

• Started by Emperor Hadrian to punish unruly Caledonians (Picts, Scots, et al)

• Over 120 km long from coast to coast

Milecastles

• Located at mile intervals• Small forts built into the wall