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The Roman Army

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

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The Roman Army

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  1. The Roman Army The most formidable military machine

  2. 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)

  3. Formations in battle

  4. 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.

  5. 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

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