The Roman Army
Who was in the army?
The Roman Army was made up of men from all over the Empire, no women were allowed to join. These men were professional soldiers whose only job was to fight and defend Rome. Initially only property owners such as farmers could serve in the army, but from the 1st century B.C. onwards anybody could join. These soldiers would have to stay in the army for at least 25 years!
If a soldier was brave, clever and fought well he could become a centurion in charge of 80 ordinary soldiers called legionaries. Each troop of about 80 legionaries was called a century. There were 59 centuries in a legion and about 30 legions in the Roman army. There were also other soldiers called auxiliaries who included the cavalry.
To show the differences in ranks centurions carried a special stick to show who they were. They used the stick to beat any soldier who disobeyed an order. The important centurions also wore special armour, which emphasised their rank.
How did the Romans arm themselves?
A Roman soldier's weapons were a short sword for stabbing, and a throwing spear called a pilum. He wore armour made from overlapping iron bands and a metal helmet on his head. He also carried a large rectangular shield which curved around his body.
A pilum was made with sharp iron points and softer metal shafts behind. When the spear hit an enemy's shield, it bent, making it very difficult to pull out. The spear shaft would drag on the ground and trip up the enemy who would then have to throw his shield away.
Was life in the Roman Army easy?
Roman soldiers had to be tough. They were expected to march 20 miles a day wearing armour. They were also expected to carry their own shield, some food and camping equipment.
Soldiers were also trained to fight together. They marched into battle in a flexible line with their shields next to each other. If the enemy shot arrows at them the soldiers in the rows behind the front line would lift their shields over their heads like a roof to protect them. This was called a testudo, which means tortoise.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/romans/army.shtml