An Introduction To The Roman Army

B Y N A T H A N H A N C O C K , G E O R G E P R E S T O N , A L E X F I R T H A N D U Z A Y R N A Z I R

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ROMAN ARMY

STRUCTURE OF THE ROMAN ARMY

• The structure of the Roman Army has evolved over many years, generally considered to cumulate with the classic Legionary system operated in the time of Augustus. • This was the must successful

form of the force and hence it is the one that is remembered and indeed the one taught on the curriculum this year.

STRUCTURE OF THE LEGIONARY ROMAN ARMY

ARMY STRUCTURE

• Within the army, there were two types of soldiers, the Legionaries and the Auxiliaries.• Legionaries were roman citizens and extremely

well trained warriors.• Auxiliaries were people from newfound

territories who did not have citizenship. They would be trained, payed and equipped more poorly.

TRAINING OF SOLDIERS

• For such an elite force such as the roman army, continued training was very important.

• In training soldiers could be expected to march over 20 miles per day, in full armour and carrying rations and camping equipment.

• They were trained to advance with their shields facing the opposition.

• If they were pelted with missiles from above, they would form a formation known as the tetsudo, translating to mean Tortoise.

ADDITIONAL UTILISATION OF THE ROMAN ARMY

• The roman army did not spend all of it’s time fighting in conflicts. • When the force was not fighting it executed other

imperial orders such as building Roads and Camps.• The presence of the roman army in a province

served to enforce the law through deterrence.• If any uprising occurred the presence of the army

in the region was able to quickly act to stamp it out before it escalated.

WEAPONRY - ARMOUR

• The chest armour worn was known as the Lorica, one of the more common of these known as the Lorica Segmenta. • It proved effective at

resisting both swords and spears.• The Lorica Segmenta

also allowed for greater mobility offered than alternatives.

WEAPONRY - ARMOUR

• The rounded shield commonly associated with the roman army is the Scutum.

• Was made out of wood with metal used for the handle guard.

• Was relatively easy to produce and maintain.

• Provided a first line of defence against blows.

• Could be hoisted in the tetsudo formation.

WEAPONRY - HELMET

• As well as serving as protection to his head, a roman soldiers helmet denoted his rank.• All soldiers were issued

with a helmet when they joined the army.• Was known as a Galea.

WEAPONRY - SWORD

• Soldiers were issued with a sword, Gladius and a dagger, Pugio.• The Gladius was

effective for both stabbing and slashing.• The pugio was a multi

purpose tool, in some ways comparable with the swiss army knife.

WEAPONRY - SPEAR

• Roman soldiers were issued with a spear known as a pilum.• Was thrown at the enemy

at the start of the battle.• The soft metal tip

deformed rendering it incapable of harm if thrown back.

A N Y Q U E S T I O N S ?

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