+

The Roman Army

The most formidable military machine

+In the early days

Conscription: Citizen Soldier. All campaigns were in the vicinity of Rome and were of limited

duration. After the war, the citizen soldier went back to his normal duties When Rome expanded, service became selective Hastati Principes Triarii 4 legions of approximately 5000 men. Each legion had about 60 centuries (centum = 100)

+Formations in battle

+The reforms of Marius

Soldiers become professional They sign up for a fixed term (16 – 20 years) During service they pay for their food and clothing Upon their retirement they expect to be given a plot of land or a

substantial one off pay The senate or state does not provide for their retirement; the general does Thus the generals became the most significant players in the later

republic, and soldiers were loyal to them rather than the senate. (Marius, Sulla, Pompey, Caesar et.)

The situation did not improve much in the imperial era; it just changed form. Now the armies put on the throne and removed emperors, especially in the 3rd c.

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+In later times

Legions around 30 Each century = 80 men The Romans built forts Discipline was harsh, and training intense Pay was modest, which made a satisfactory settlement in

the end of their service a necessity Ultimately the Roman army did what every formidable

machine could do. For a period of time it ruled. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0JJlDlYGRM