An Introduction To The Roman Army
- 1. B Y N A T H A N H A N C O C K , G E O R G E P R E S T O N , A L E X F I R T H A N D U Z A Y R N A Z I R AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ROMAN ARMY
- 2. STRUCTURE OF THE ROMAN ARMY • The structure of the Roman Army has evolved over many years, generally considered to cumulate with the classic Legionary system operated in the time of Augustus. • This was the must successful form of the force and hence it is the one that is remembered and indeed the one taught on the curriculum this year.
- 3. STRUCTURE OF THE LEGIONARY ROMAN ARMY
- 4. ARMY STRUCTURE • Within the army, there were two types of soldiers, the Legionaries and the Auxiliaries. • Legionaries were roman citizens and extremely well trained warriors. • Auxiliaries were people from newfound territories who did not have citizenship. They would be trained, payed and equipped more poorly.
- 5. TRAINING OF SOLDIERS • For such an elite force such as the roman army, continued training was very important. • In training soldiers could be expected to march over 20 miles per day, in full armour and carrying rations and camping equipment. • They were trained to advance with their shields facing the opposition. • If they were pelted with missiles from above, they would form a formation known as the tetsudo, translating to mean Tortoise.
- 6. ADDITIONAL UTILISATION OF THE ROMAN ARMY • The roman army did not spend all of it’s time fighting in conflicts. • When the force was not fighting it executed other imperial orders such as building Roads and Camps. • The presence of the roman army in a province served to enforce the law through deterrence. • If any uprising occurred the presence of the army in the region was able to quickly act to stamp it out before it escalated.
- 7. WEAPONRY - ARMOUR • The chest armour worn was known as the Lorica, one of the more common of these known as the Lorica Segmenta. • It proved effective at resisting both swords and spears. • The Lorica Segmenta also allowed for greater mobility offered than alternatives.
- 8. WEAPONRY - ARMOUR • The rounded shield commonly associated with the roman army is the Scutum. • Was made out of wood with metal used for the handle guard. • Was relatively easy to produce and maintain. • Provided a first line of defence against blows. • Could be hoisted in the tetsudo formation.
- 9. WEAPONRY - HELMET • As well as serving as protection to his head, a roman soldiers helmet denoted his rank. • All soldiers were issued with a helmet when they joined the army. • Was known as a Galea.
- 10. WEAPONRY - SWORD • Soldiers were issued with a sword, Gladius and a dagger, Pugio. • The Gladius was effective for both stabbing and slashing. • The pugio was a multi purpose tool, in some ways comparable with the swiss army knife.
- 11. WEAPONRY - SPEAR • Roman soldiers were issued with a spear known as a pilum. • Was thrown at the enemy at the start of the battle. • The soft metal tip deformed rendering it incapable of harm if thrown back.
- 12. A N Y Q U E S T I O N S ? THANK YOU FOR LISTENING