The Roman Military & Ancient Tactics

Greek Origins Hoplite phalanx Citizen soldiers Pay for own gear

Developing Tactics Mostly walls of men running into each other Best men positioned on the right flank Epaminondas of Thebes Romans adopt the phalanx

Rome & the Phalanx B. of Caudine Forks – 321 BC New maniple formation Hills of Italy Romans pass under the yoke New maniple formation B. of Cynoscephalae 197 BC; Flamininus Hills of Greece Proves superiority of the maniple

The Marian Reforms Gaius Marius in 107 BC Before: After: Only citizens with enough property could serve Provided their own weapons & armor Farming seasons limiting, levying a new army for each crisis After: Poor citizens; state provides arms; professional soldiers; standing armies; land grants for vets Citizenship granted to auxiliaries after service

Auxiliaries Roman allies from Italy and across the empire Legions lack cavalry, ranged fighters

Legionary Gear Gladius & Pugio Pilum Scutum Caligae Lorica Segmentata Cingulum