Culture: The Romans at War

Roman Army Organisation

The Roman army was divided into legions, which were elite forces of around 5,000 soldiers, predominantly heavy infantrymen known as legionaries.
Legionaries were organised into centuries (groups of around 80 men) and maniples (groups of around 120-160 men), with the cohort (480 men) as the primary tactical unit.
Each legion was often accompanied by an equal number of allied troops or auxiliaries, who would provide additional types of troops such as light infantry, cavalry, and archers.
The Roman army was a professional force, with soldiers signing on for a period of 25 years in the early empire, extended to 26 years after the reign of Septimius Severus.

Roman Warfare Tactics

Key hallmark of Roman warfare was their discipline, strategic planning, and organisation compared to their enemies.
Standard battle order with heavy infantry in the centre, lighter infantry and cavalry on the wings, and skirmishers out in front.
Used formations like the testudo, or turtle formation, where soldiers would align their shields to form a protective “shell” around the formation.
Ability to build fortifications rapidly on campaign, as every soldier carried a shovel and other necessary tools.

Roman Military Equipment

Main offensive weapon of the legionary was the gladius, a short, double-edged sword designed for stabbing.
Legionaries also carried a spear called a pilum, which could bend upon impact, rendering it useless to the enemy after being thrown.
Armour included the lorica segmentata (segmented torso armour), the lorica squamata (scale armour), and the lorica hamata (chainmail).
Large, curved shield called a scutum, which could protect the whole soldier and was useful in formation tactics like the testudo.

Siege Warfare and Fortifications

Romans became highly adept at siege warfare, developing advanced siege engines like the ballista (a large crossbow) and the onager (a type of catapult).
Permanent fortifications included stone walls, towers, and ditches. Temporary marching camps would be fortified with a palisade and ditch.
Notable examples of engineering and fortifications in warfare include the siege of Alesia in 52 BC and the building of Hadrian’s Wall.

Role of the Navy

The Roman navy played a supporting role to the Roman army, mostly in the transport of troops, supplies, and the conducting of raids.
In some cases, the navy played a critical role in winning wars, such as the naval victory over the Carthaginians at the Battle of Mylae in 260 BC.
The primary ship of the Roman navy was the trireme, a galley with three banks of oars.

Role of Rome’s Legions in Society

Becoming a Roman soldier was a chance for social mobility for the lower sections of society, and could even offer Roman citizenship to frontier provincials.
The discipline, morals, and values of the Roman legions influenced Roman society massively, often being seen as a microcosm of the ideal Roman state.
After their service, many legionaries were granted plots of land, becoming influential in the local politics and economy of the Roman provinces.