Roman Army
The Roman Army
The main part of the army was the Legion. It was made up of 5000 men and commanded by the Legate.
The Legion was divided into 10 cohorts. Each cohort was made up of 6 centuries. Each century was commanded by a centurion. Centuries originally had 80 men.
1 tent= 8 men
10 tents= 1 Century (80 men)
6 Centuries= 1 Cohort (480 men)
10 Cohorts= 1 Legion (4800 men)
+120 Horsemen
Total fighting Strength=5400
Centurions were very important men. They made sure that everyone was following orders. Also they were responsible for training men under their command. Some centurions were very cruel.
Each century had their own standard. This standard was carried by a standard bearer who was a very experienced and trusted soldier. Losing your standard was a great disgrace.
To become a legionary, you had to be a roman citizen, you had to be physically fit and 1.6 meters tall. You were also expected to stay in the army for 25 years.
Most soldiers joined between 18-20 years old. There were three 30 km marches each month. On each march the legionary would carry 25 kilos of equipment. Legionaries would also learn drills or marching. This was important for learning maneuvers in battle. New recruits were given shields and swords twice as heavy as the real thing.
Auxiliaries, who were soldiers from conquered lands who decided to fight for the Romans, were also in the army. Many of these soldiers had special skills like cavalry soldiers.
Auxiliaries:
The Legion was divided into 10 cohorts. Each cohort was made up of 6 centuries. Each century was commanded by a centurion. Centuries originally had 80 men.
1 tent= 8 men
10 tents= 1 Century (80 men)
6 Centuries= 1 Cohort (480 men)
10 Cohorts= 1 Legion (4800 men)
+120 Horsemen
Total fighting Strength=5400
Centurions were very important men. They made sure that everyone was following orders. Also they were responsible for training men under their command. Some centurions were very cruel.
Each century had their own standard. This standard was carried by a standard bearer who was a very experienced and trusted soldier. Losing your standard was a great disgrace.
To become a legionary, you had to be a roman citizen, you had to be physically fit and 1.6 meters tall. You were also expected to stay in the army for 25 years.
Most soldiers joined between 18-20 years old. There were three 30 km marches each month. On each march the legionary would carry 25 kilos of equipment. Legionaries would also learn drills or marching. This was important for learning maneuvers in battle. New recruits were given shields and swords twice as heavy as the real thing.
Auxiliaries, who were soldiers from conquered lands who decided to fight for the Romans, were also in the army. Many of these soldiers had special skills like cavalry soldiers.
Auxiliaries:
- archers
- Most fought with a sword and a short spear
- Thought of by Romans as second class soldier who were paid less and not trained as rigorously.
- After 25 years they became citizen as well as their children.