What was life like in the Roman army?

1. What was life like in the Roman army?

2. QuickTestWords 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. soldier republic centurion guarded shield

3. What was life like in the Roman Army?

4. Life in the Roman Army Recruitment Organisation Training Pay Promotion Length of Service Other duties Families Done!

5. How was the Roman Army organised? Legionary - a Roman soldier Century - 80 legionaries led by a Centurion Legion - 59 Centuries (nearly 5000 legionaries) Roman Army: about 30 legions (nearly 150,000 men) Choose another topic Choose another topic

6. How were Roman soldiers recruited? Only Roman citizens could serve in the legion A citizen presented a letter of introduction - probatio - to the recruiting officer Recruits had to: be able to read and write Non-Romans could serve in the auxiliary forces be at least 5’ 7” have good eyesight and hearing Choose another topic

7. What training did soldiers receive? Recruits learned battle formations: Recruits had to march 20 miles in five hours single line, double line At the end of the march recruits had to dig trenches and build their overnight camp square, wedge the testudo - ‘tortoise’ Recruits trained with heavy wooden weapons: swords, spears and javelins Choose another topic

8. Were soldiers paid for their service? Soldiers received a share of loot and slaves By the 4th Century BC soldiers received money to pay for food and equipment Soldiers received extra money from emperors to keep them loyal Soldiers were given land and cash when they retired Choose another topic

9. How were Roman soldiers promoted? Senior staff were in charge of the legion’s standard Most soldiers started as foot soldiers After 15 to 20 years, a soldier might be promoted to the rank of Centurion Soldiers could be promoted to cavalry The top centurion helped the general in his council of war Junior Staff were in charge of the watch and passwords Choose another topic

10. How long would soldiers serve in the military? Legionaries served for 16 years Auxiliaries had to serve for 25 years Soldiers had to serve an extra five years in reserve Choose another topic

11. What other duties would a soldier perform? Soldiers not on campaign built... Roman soldiers were great engineers roads aqueducts shipping canals Soldiers on campaign built... bridges camps Soldiers also worked as police forts siege works Choose another topic

12. Were legionaries allowed to have families? Most soldiers had unofficial families where they were stationed Roman soldiers were not allowed to marry Soldiers’ sons would often join the military Choose another topic

13. What was life like in the Roman Army?Example worksheet

14. HomeworkLearn the spelling of these words… 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. legionary aqueduct auxiliary training tortoise