The Roman Army

History of the Roman Army In the past each Kings was in charge of creating his own army Usually had 1,000 soldiers Army was only created when they needed it This crated many problems

Some Early Problems No standing Army meant that Rome open to attacks Lacked Experience –Poorly Trained Generals –Poorly Trained Soldiers

Some Early Problems Inexperienced Generals It is possible that Generals were Soldiers from past Wars Not well trained in being Generals Not their full time job

Some Early Problems Poorly trained Generals led to poorly trained Soldier Not very organized

So you think you want to join the Army? Requirements –Male –18 years old –At least 5’8’’ tall –Be a Roman citizen –Be in Good Health

So you think you want to join the Army? Could not be Married –It was illegal for a Roman soldier to be married Many had girlfriends that lived in near by camps Girlfriends also follow the troops as they moved It was later made legal to get married

So you think you want to join the Army? Interview Why you want to join the Army How you could help the Army Also wrote a letter of introduction

So you think you want to join the Army? Brought a letter of recommendation This letter was from: –Male Family Members –Male Friends –Army Members

So you think you want to join the Army? Most people who joined were poor Reasons for the poor to join: –Got paid to be in the Army, $45 a year –Had food to eat –Had a place to live

Roman Soldier Dress & Armor Tunic This was like an undershirt Also wore a Jacket over the Tunic

Roman Soldier Dress & Armor Helmet – Galea Made out of Metal Used to protect head and face form enemy

Roman Soldier Dress & Armor Chest Protector – Lorica Made out of Metal Covered the Heart of the soldier Shoulder pads attached to the Chest Protector Some called this the Heart Shield

Roman Soldier Dress & Armor Leg Protector - Greave Made out of Metal Warren on the left leg of the soldiers Protected the exposed leg

Roman Soldier Dress & Armor Shield – Scutum Made out of Wood Two pieces glued together and covered in Leather Most important piece of Armor 3 ½ to 4 feet tall & 2 ½ to 3 feet wide

Roman Soldier Dress & Armor Boots – Caligae Made for Marching

Roman Soldier Dress & Armor Marching Pack – Sarcina Heavy pack that soldier carried Usually was carried over one shoulder Weighted pounds when full

Roman Soldier Weapons Javelin - Pila Was a throwing spear Tip was made to bend This made it hard for the victim to pull it out

Roman Soldier Weapons Sword - Gladius Made of Metal Favorite weapon of the Soldiers Short 2 to 2 ½ feet long Fit Roman style of fighting

Roman Soldier Weapons Dagger – Piguo Used as a backup Most Soldiers used it as a utility knife Cooking and other things like that