Roman Military Might: Organization, Armament, and Strategy
The Roman Army
The Romans, skilled in peacetime organization, demonstrated equal prowess in times of war. Their quest for expansion and conquest typically involved conflicts, both internal and external. The Romans were well-prepared for war and maintained highly organized armies.
Organization of the Roman Army
From the second century BC, the army became permanent, and its commanders professionalized.
Composition
- The highest tactical unit of the Roman army was the legion (approximately 6,000 men).
- Each legion consisted of 10 cohorts (approximately 600 men each).
- In turn, each cohort consisted of 3 maniples (approximately 200 men each).
- Each maniple, in turn, consisted of 2 centuries (approximately 100 men each).
At the lowest rung of the army were soldiers, who could be infantry, cavalry (equites), or specialized units such as light infantry (velites), slingers (funditores), or archers (sagittarii).
The equivalent of a modern officer was the centurion, who commanded a century. Two centurions commanded a maniple.
Above the centurions, and equivalent to senior officers in a modern army, were the six military tribunes, who commanded cohorts and legions.
Above them was the consul, the supreme commander of the army.
Armament
Armament logically varied depending on the soldier’s unit.
The infantry soldier typically carried a pilum (a heavy throwing spear), a gladius (a short sword, approximately 50 cm long), and a scutum (a large, elongated shield, often curved, sometimes referred to as a “tower shield”). Additionally, they wore a breastplate and a helmet for protection against enemy attacks.
The cavalry trooper carried a light javelin called a hasta (or lancea) and a round shield (parma).
Light infantry units carried their specific weapons: a sling (funda), a bow (arcus) and arrows (sagittae), and a leather helmet (galea).
Discipline and Regulations
The soldier’s life was rigorous, and discipline was strict. Non-compliance could result in various punishments, such as salary deprivation, degradation, flogging, and in severe cases, even the death penalty (e.g., decapitation).
Outstanding performance was rewarded with honorable mentions, medals, crowns, and bracelets. For senior officers, significant achievements could lead to a triumphal entry into Rome with a spectacular parade (an ovatio or a full triumph).
Remuneration
A soldier, who spent much time campaigning away from home, received a regular payment (stipendium). This also applied to officers and commanders. Furthermore, soldiers shared in the spoils of war, distributed according to rank, from the enemies they defeated.
Allied soldiers, however, did not receive a salary or participate in the spoils; they only received necessary support while campaigning.
Military Strategy and Tactics
The Roman army astonished the world with its strength, expertise, excellent physical preparation, and the tactics of its men. They meticulously planned their marches, covering approximately 25 km per day. They ensured soldiers carried only necessary supplies for about two weeks and trained troops to construct well-organized camps daily.
In combat, infantry was typically deployed in several lines, three deep, with flanks protected by cavalry, light units, and allied troops.
Various machines and devices were employed to besiege towns, precursors to what modern armies call ‘artillery’.
Based on this organization, physical preparation, and tactical and psychological prowess, the armies of Rome were, for much of their history, virtually invincible.
Related Vocabulary Exercises
Latin Derivatives Exercise
It relates both columns and then indicates which words define the terms of the second derivatives Latinas do not have:
- equitatus-us: [m] cavalry
- exercitus-us: [m] army
- manus-us: [f] hand, troop
- senatus-us: [m] senate
- cornu-us: [n] horn, wing of army
- genu-us: [n] knee
- acies-ei: [f] battle line
- dies-ei: [m/f] day
- facies-ei: [f] face, appearance
- fides-ei: [f] faith, loyalty
a. genuflection
b. fidedigno
c. facial
d. daily
e. senatorial
f. manufactura
g. equitación
h. facet
i. unicorn
j. manuscript
Greek Lexeme Exercise
Lexeme Greek lexeme Anthropo-Meaning of a. man-BIO-b. c. life-CHRONOTHERAPEUTIC time-LOG-0-d treaty, study-METR-0 -e. f. jM/CRO- measure (small