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VENI, VIDI, VICI Without the well-trained and disciplined Roman Legions, there would have been no Roman Empire. The soldiers were the first Romans into a new area. They came, they saw, they conquered. And they ruthlessly maintained order so civilization could take root and dominate.
How was the Roman Army organised? • Main part of the army was the LEGION • This was made up of 5000 men under the command of the LEGATE
How the Roman Army was organised?... • The legion was divided into ten cohorts • Each cohort was made up of six centuries • The centuries were commanded by a centurion • Centuries originally had 100 men but 80 was normal • http://www.bandbhadrianswall.com/thewall.htm Centurion
How the Roman Army was organised • The centurions were very important men • They were responsible for training the soldiers under their command and making sure everyone obeyed orders. • Some were very cruel
Standard Bearers • Each century had its own emblem or standard. • This was carried by the standard bearer, a very experienced and trusted soldier • To lose your standard was a great disgrace (as in “THE EAGLE OF THE NINTH” story)
How to become a Legionary? • You had to be a Roman citizen • You had to be physically fit and 1.6m tall • You were expected to stay in the army for 25 years
Training • Most soldiers joined between 18-20 years old • There were three 30km marches each month • On each march the legionary would carry 25 kilos of equipment
Training • Legionaries would also learn drill, or marching • This was important for learning manoeuvres in battle • New recruits were given shields and swords twice as heavy as the real thing!
Who else was in the Army? • Auxiliaries- These were soldiers from lands conquered by the Romans who volunteered to fight for the Romans • many of these had special skills-and formed units like cavalry, archers, pikemen, etc. • But most fought with a sword and short spear
Who else was in the Army? • Auxiliaries could earn Roman citizenship if they lasted 25 years • As veterans they earned farm land on the frontier • Children and all descendants also inherited citizenship
Auxiliaries • Thought of by Romans as second class soldiers , paid less and not trained as rigorously • Odds were 50/50 of surviving 25 years of service • Only half made it…
Hadrian’s Wall • Built by 10 000 soldiers in 2 years • Started by Emperor Hadrian to punish unruly Caledonians (Picts, Scots, et al) • Over 120 km long from coast to coast
Milecastles • Located at mile intervals • Small forts built into the wall
