Expansionist Roman Republic

Why Rome? Model of Military efficiency and Imperialism Did not come without obstacles Included significant changes socially and politically

The Expansionist Republic Brief Timeline: Rome gains independence from Etruscans Rome fights near constant wars against hill people, Rome sacked Initiates military reform Little known of pre-reform, most likely Greek phalanx Rome starts winning, defeats Latin league Unites all of Italy south of the Po River

State and Society Lacked traditional elites, but a large gap between poor and rich Senate made up of the rich Military leaders elected by all Romans Glory was a priority Plebeians role in the Legions rewarded with creation of position of Tribune Two Issues for Early Rome Aggressive Neighbors Gap between Rich and Poor

Manpower Every Roman citizen was liable for service Landless and debtors prohibited from serving in the Legions Heavy infantry The Richest Romans served in the cavalry, rest as Legionnaires Originally voluntary and unpaid Around 15% of male population served several years terms In crisis over 25% Used allied Italians and population from colonies to compensate low manpower

Motives for Expansion Winning provided land, slaves, and booty. Land gave opportunity to poor Romans and increased wealth of the rich Slaves worked on rich plots Desire for land and slaves united rich and poor Added cities provide manpower Desire to glory pushed elites

Army of the Republic

A Legion Legion was 3,000 to 4,000 men 600 light infantry 300 cavalry Each Legion accompanied by allied legion, identically organized Two Roman and Allied Legions made a consular army

Formation Three lines of 10 maniples Maniple = 20 men across, 6 deep More space between units than greek phalanx Gaps between Maniples = Frontage of a maniple 2nd and third line behind the gaps in front of them Checkerboard Lines could advance or retreat into each other, relieve each other Easier to maneuver, less vulnerable flanks

Troop Types A century contains 60-80 men A legion contained 4 troop types Velites – youngest/least experienced, light armed skirmishers Hastati – Next in age/experience, front line, organized in 10 maniples of 2 centuries Principes – Best veterans, second line, in 10 maniples of 2 centuries Triarii – Oldest troops, rear line, 10 maniples of 1 century

Weapons and Tactics Gladius – Short sword and primary weapon Galae Lorica segmentata Gladius – Short sword and primary weapon Pilum – Javelin with weak point to break into shield Made shield unwieldy Cannot be thrown back Scutum – three layers of wood, light weight, metal center for punching Chainmail and Scale armor common Gladius Scutum Pilum Caligae

Tactics Geared toward attack, even when defending they tended to charge Hurl Javelins from 30-50 yards Drew Swords Despite militia tendencies, legionnaires required constant drill Generals were elected, called Consuls Not always competent Cavalry was barely adequate

Strategy Roman leaders direct: Marched straight towards targets Hoped for decisive battle Partly due to electoral process Could be exploited, indirect tactics disapproved of Grand strategy best described as relentlessness

Pyrrhic Wars

Background Named after Pyrrhus, King of Epirus considered to be the best General of his day, if not ever Greek colonies in South Italy asked him for help Pyrrhus invades with 40,000 men and 20 war elephants

Early Results Elephants were critical to all battles Pyrrhus won the battles of Heraclea and Asculum Suffered about 20,000 causalities in the process Many of his officers included

Pyrrhic victory Pyrrhus said "If we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined” Definition: a victory that inflicts such a devastating toll on the victor that it is tantamount to defeat. 

Sicily Expedition Rome refused to talk peace Pyrrhus tried to ally with Carthage Carthage allies with Rome instead Pyrrhus offered Kingship of Sicily if he drove out Carthage Sicilians wanted neither peace nor to help, Pyrrhus went back to Italy Pyrrhus left saying "What a wrestling ground we are leaving, my friends, for the Carthaginians and the Romans.“

Battle of Beneventum Pyrrhus has a small advantage in numbers and elephants Meet at the town of Maleventum Romans injure the elephants, panic into Pyrrhus men Lost the battle, town renamed “Good Event” Pyrrhus leaves forever

What happened to Pyrrhus? Pyrrhus conquered Macedonia, then attacked Sparta, retreating after huge losses Raced to take Argos afterwards, being trapped in the city, bonked on the head, and decapitated Pyrrhus wrote several books on the art of war but have been lost to history Macedonian troops desert, and celebrate Pyrrhus of Epirus as their new king

Greeks lost their only chance of stopping Rome Aftermath of the War Greeks lost their only chance of stopping Rome