The Roman Army

The Roman army, famed for its discipline, organization, and innovation in both weapons and tactics, allowed Rome to build and defend a huge empire which for centuries would dominate the Mediterranean world and beyond. the early Roman army fought more along the lines of Greek hoplites in a phalanx, most likely as a form of civil militia, with recruitment dependent on a citizen’s social standing.

All citizens who owned land were required to serve in the army. To secure certain public offices, ten years of military service were required. Roman soldiers were organized into large military units called legions. The Roman legion was made up of some 5,000 heavily armed foot soldiers (infantry). A group of soldiers on horseback (cavalry) supported each legion.

Legions were divided into smaller groups of 80 men, each of which was called a century. The centurion was the Roman officer in charge of a century. In battle, the strength of the legion was its flexibility. Each century in a legion could act independently. The military organization and fighting skill of the Roman army were key factors in Rome’s rise to greatness.

The Army Breakdown

Further Breakdown The standard force of the Roman Imperial army was the legions, a heavy infantry, initially composed of Roman citizens. The number of legions in existence at one time often varied, but a rough average is 28. The make-up of each Legion was as follows: 10 cohorts to one legion six centuries to one cohort 10 tents to one cohort eight soldiers to one tent 120 cavalry - not really a fighting force, but messengers and scouts.

Battle Strategies The Square The Tortise Pigs Head

Tortoise formation Linking shields together over their heads

Weapons Battering rams, siege towers & catapults Catapult The Onager The Seige Tower

Praetorian Guard Elite army formed during rein of Augustus Caesar Guarded the emperors Last line of defence for the city of Rome Well paid, arrogant, influenced politicians Rulers knew the support of the Roman Army meant power