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The Roman Army

The most formidable military machine

+In the early days

Conscription: Citizen Soldier.

All campaigns were in the vicinity of Rome and were of limited duration.

After the war, the citizen soldier went back to his normal duties

When Rome expanded, service became selective

Hastati

Principes

Triarii

4 legions of approximately 5000 men.

Each legion had about 60 centuries (centum = 100)

+Formations in battle

+The reforms of Marius

Soldiers become professional

They sign up for a fixed term (16 – 20 years)

During service they pay for their food and clothing

Upon their retirement they expect to be given a plot of land or a substantial one off pay

The senate or state does not provide for their retirement; the general does

Thus the generals became the most significant players in the later republic, and soldiers were loyal to them rather than the senate. (Marius, Sulla, Pompey, Caesar et.)

The situation did not improve much in the imperial era; it just changed form. Now the armies put on the throne and removed emperors, especially in the 3rd c.

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+In later times

Legions around 30

Each century = 80 men

The Romans built forts

Discipline was harsh, and training intense

Pay was modest, which made a satisfactory settlement in the end of their service a necessity

Ultimately the Roman army did what every formidable machine could do. For a period of time it ruled.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0JJlDlYGRM