The Ancient Roman Army
The Roman Army was very important in the expansion of Rome. They defeated and conquered many lands, including Italy and Greece. For almost 500 years, from around 300 BCE to 200 CE, Rome had the upper hand in war.
The Roman Army was made up of Roman Citizens, and most soldiers in the Army served for 20 to 25 years. Rome needed to control its provinces, which included conquered lands, so the soldiers weren't only trained to fight, but also to build roads and forts, which helped control the provinces. Many soldiers kept peace in the provinces, otherwise known as 'police officers.'
Rome's Army grew to be the most organized in the world as they conquered land after land. Their strength was from tough discipline, strong weapons, and military strategy. Some of the advantages they had are listed below:
Armour
Soldiers of the Roman army wore plates of either iron or steel that were curved for their protection from the swords of their enemies.
Cavalry
The cavalry were soldiers that rode on horseback and rode on both sides of the soldiers that walked on foot. The cavalry could quickly move to any spot, much unlike the soldiers riding in chariots.
Shields
Roman soldiers had oblong, curvy shields that gave them great protection. During battle, the shields would be used to make a wall that was practically unbreakable.
Troop Formation
The Roman Army was divided into legions of 4000 to 6000 soldiers. Every legion was split into 10 units, which was divided into six groups of 80 men with a commander. Each group of 80 men moved as a unit. The legion commander gave orders with trumpet signals.
The Roman Army was made up of Roman Citizens, and most soldiers in the Army served for 20 to 25 years. Rome needed to control its provinces, which included conquered lands, so the soldiers weren't only trained to fight, but also to build roads and forts, which helped control the provinces. Many soldiers kept peace in the provinces, otherwise known as 'police officers.'
Rome's Army grew to be the most organized in the world as they conquered land after land. Their strength was from tough discipline, strong weapons, and military strategy. Some of the advantages they had are listed below:
Armour
Soldiers of the Roman army wore plates of either iron or steel that were curved for their protection from the swords of their enemies.
Cavalry
The cavalry were soldiers that rode on horseback and rode on both sides of the soldiers that walked on foot. The cavalry could quickly move to any spot, much unlike the soldiers riding in chariots.
Shields
Roman soldiers had oblong, curvy shields that gave them great protection. During battle, the shields would be used to make a wall that was practically unbreakable.
Troop Formation
The Roman Army was divided into legions of 4000 to 6000 soldiers. Every legion was split into 10 units, which was divided into six groups of 80 men with a commander. Each group of 80 men moved as a unit. The legion commander gave orders with trumpet signals.