The Expansion of the Roman Empires

Lesson 23 part 4

The emblem for the army was the eagle surrounded by a victory wreath. Underneath are the letters SPQR which are Latin for The Senate and People of Rome

Third, Rome's army valued disciplined by years of war. Few other armies could match its strength.

Fourth, Romans greatly valued military success.

Diorama depicting Roman legionaries facing a Macedonian phalanx — The Romans with their short swords could not break the solid wall of the enemy formation

5 Reasons Why Rome Conquered

• There were Five Reasons why Rome was so successful in their ambition to build an Empire. First, because of their strong and balanced government the Roman people were stronger than the power of any one opposing leader. And they were  proud of their accomplishments.

• Second, Rome treated conquered peoples as friends and, in several cases, made them citizens. This way Rome was able to raise a large army. And Rome's friends were usually loyal to Rome because they shared in the profits (loot and stolen property) from Roman wars.

• Roman military technology — a catapult in action

Heavy artillery came in various sizes. A small ballista had a range of about 1,400 feet; a large onager could lob a 60-pound missile a distance of half a mile.

• A fire thrower, this large ballista could fling 12-foot flaming darts 2,000 feet or more.

• Projectile dating back to the Gallic Wars, found in a plowed field in France.

Roman Ballista

• Roman military technology — siege tower, battering ram, projectiles hammering the walls

• Roman military engineers building structures to be used in the siege of a fortified city. The logs are being used to build a siege terrace from which archers, slingers, and javelin hurlers could fire down on defenders on a city wall.

• siege tower

• A siege tower being wheeled toward the wall of a fortress

• Approaching the wall, a detachment of Roman legionaries moves up behind the assault tower as it is slowly rolled into place.

• The final attack comes as Romans charge over a drawbridge which has been dropped from their assault tower.

• Detail of battering ram and mechanized crossbows

• The long sheds are used to protect workmen while they construct siege works.

• In the foreground are Roman war machines which have hurled flaming projectiles at and over the wall.

• Roman artillery in action — In the background, reinforcements rush up the steps of the siege terrace to replace the wounded

• In fact, military success was needed if a man hoped to become powerful in the Roman government.

The highest honor for a general was a "triumph," a grand parade through the streets of Rome. The victorious general, dressed up to look like the supreme god Jupiter, rode in a chariot.

• Behind him marched the soldiers, carrying the many valuables taken from the enemy and leading the prisoners of war.

• Fifth, wars brought a lot of money and treasure. Conquered lands were often given to Roman soldiers who retired. Valuables seized from the enemy made the government rich as well as individual leaders. Prisoners from the conquered lands became slaves.

• For all these reasons, Roman leaders were ready to go to war year after year.

• From 338 to 50 B.C., Rome conquered more and more people and countries.