Download THE ROMAN ARMY

THE ROMAN ARMY
In Rome the army was the nation:
no citizen could take office unless
he had served in ten campaigns.
Military Organization
• Centuries — 100 armed men
– Headed by Centurian (from the
ranks)
• Maniples—3 Centuries
– Could move quickly through
difficult terrain
– Independent decisions
• Legions—groups of Maniples
– 6000 men
– Supported by light cavalry
• Discipline
– Death for individual
insubordination
– Decimation for cowardice
How was the Roman Army
organized?
• Main part of the
army was the
LEGION
• This was made up
of 5000 to 6000
men under the
command of the
LEGATE
How the Roman Army was
organized
• The legion was
divided into ten
groups
• Each group was made
up of six centuries
• The centuries were
commanded by a
centurion
• Centuries had 100
men
How the Roman Army was
organized
• 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
How to become a
Legionary!
• You had to be a
Roman citizen
• You had to be
physically fit and
5’4” tall
• You were expected
to stay in the army
for 25 years
Training
• Most soldiers
joined between 1820 years old
• There were three
18.5 mile-marches
each month
• On each march the
legionary would
carry 55 pounds of
equipment
Training
• Legionaries would
also learn drill, or
marching
• This was important
for learning
movements in battle
• New recruits were
given shields and
swords twice as heavy
as the real thing!
Maneuvers
Wedge Formation
Tortoise Formation
Charge
Maneuvers
Repelling Cavalry Attack
Last Stand
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- like
cavalry soldiers
Auxiliaries
• Archers
• Most fought with a sword and short
spear
• Thought of by Romans as second
class soldiers , paid less and not
trained as rigorously
• After 25 years- they became
Citizens (and their children too!)
Bibliography
http://www.lore-and-saga.co.uk/assets/images/Legion1.JPG
www.miniatures.de/ html/ger/legio.html
www.barca.fsnet.co.uk/ rome-army.htm
www.mrdowling.com/ 702-augustus.html
By Mr Bargery
www.SchoolHistory.co.uk
Changes by Mr. Lauta
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