Download THE ROMAN ARMY

Complete the worksheet
in pairs to find out what
today’s lesson is about
•
•When you know the
answer raise your hand!
Focus Question:
How was the Roman Army
organised and why was
this important?
Types of soldiers
Strength/
Success
Size
What do we
already think
about the
Roman Army?
Control
Tactics
Activities
Task 2:
• Complete the worksheet using the
information in this slideshow.
• We will go through it as a class, but if
you have any questions don’t be
afraid to ask!
Organisation of the Army
• The main part of
the army was the
LEGION
• This was made up
of 6000 men
under the
command of the
LEGATE
Army Divisions
• 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
Centurions
• 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 and
corrupt. They would carry a
vine stick which they used to
beat soldiers and took bribes
from men who wanted to
avoid certain duties.
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. If a legion
lost its standard or eagle in
battle then every tenth
man would be executed.
How to become a Legionary!
• You had to be a
Roman citizen
• You had to be
physically fit and
1.6m tall (5’2)
• You were expected
to stay in the army
for 25 years
“ Experts have shown that choosing men is
just like choosing horses and dogs… The
recruit should be broad-chested, with
powerful shoulders and brawny arms. His
fingers should be long. He should not be
pot-bellied or fat bottomed. His calves and
feet should not be flabby. When you find
all these qualities in a recruit you can afford
to take him even if he is a little on the short
side… The whole well-being of the Roman
state depends on the kinds of recruits you
choose.”
Vegetius
Auxiliaries
• These were soldiers from lands
conquered by the Romans who
volunteered to fight for the Romans.
• They had special Skills i.e. Archers and
cavalrymen.
• Most fought with a sword and short
spear
• They were thought of by Romans as
second class soldiers , paid less and not
trained as rigorously.
• Many joined because after 25 yearsthey became Citizens (and their children
too!)
Training
• Most soldiers joined
between 18-20 years
old
• There were three 30km
marches each month
(that’s 18.6 miles!)
• On each march the
legionaries would carry
25 kilos of equipment
Training
• Legionaries would also
learn manoeuvres, or
drills, for battle.
• New recruits were given
shields and swords
twice as heavy as the
real thing!
• Soldiers were trained
to slash the back of
the enemy’s legs!
Discipline
• Deserters and soldiers
who left their posts
were beaten to death
by the men whose lives
they had put at risk.
• Any soldiers who were
cowards or failed to
work as a team during
a battle were stoned to
death.
Rewards
• But it wasn’t all bad! For
bravery there were awards
for different ranks, such as
medals, arm and neck
bands or torques. Gold
crowns and silver spears
were given to officers.
• Soldiers could also capture
the riches of their enemies,
if they beat them!
Task 3:
• Copy this diagram into your books
Legion made up of 6000 men
Divided into 10 cohorts
Divided into 6 centuries
100
100
100
100
100
100
(Each century had 100 men)
Task 3:
In your books answer these questions:
1. Which was the biggest group in the Roman army?
2. What was the role of the Centurion?
3. What were the requirements to join for
legionaries?
4. How old were most people when they joined?
5. List the different ways in which soldiers were
trained.
Extension Questions
6. How and why were soldiers disciplined? Do
you think this would have been effective?
7. Why was it important for the Romans to
have a strong army?
8. What were the benefits of being a Roman
soldier?
9. What were the disadvantages of being a
Roman soldier?
Final Thought..
• Why do you think the organisation of the
Roman Army was important?