​The Roman Army

     It is believed that Rome’s success was, to a large degree, due to their strong and advanced military.  Their army was an enormous part of why the city lasted as long as it did.  The large and powerful army prevented barbarians and other forces from invading and taking over Rome.  If Rome didn’t have a really strong army, the city probably would have been defeated a lot sooner and would have never been as well known as it is today.

     The Roman army “developed multiple fighting techniques that were linked to a ferocious training regime” (Chris Trueman, History Learning Site).  They had very harsh and vigorous military training.  In a similar way, the punishments for failure were extremely harsh, to the point where some soldiers were executed for their failures.

     The Roman army was considered the most advanced of it’s time.  Since the army was well trained and well equipped, they were always prepared to succeed in combat.   Because of Rome’s strong army, they had a huge advantage over all of the other forces; which enabled them to defeat and conquer more easily.  

     The army consisted of many soldiers; approximately five thousand to six thousand legionnaires (foot soldiers) and many men on horseback.  To assist the legionnaires, who were professional soldiers, there were part-time soldiers called auxiliaries.

     “Each attack was the result of meticulous planning and practice” (Chris Trueman, History Learning Site).  This was the reason why they were so successful.  The Roman army used a “tried and tested attacking technique” (Chris Trueman, History Learning Site); some of the legionnaires would run towards the enemy and throw their javelin (pila)  while other legionnaires would move in for close quarter fighting using their swords (gladius).  To support the legionnaires, the Romans used cavalry.  Their primary task was to reinforce the legionnaires by attacking an enemy line at the flanks (sides).  They were also used to chase after a retreating enemy.

     While Rome benefited from their army militarily, they were also  benefited in another way; the riches that were brought from the conquered territories helped Rome economically.

     Given that throughout the years, the Roman army conquered the majority of Europe and lands all over the world; it was the root of Rome’s success.  It allowed the Roman empire to expand and maintain dominance for many years until the decline of the Roman Empire.  Rome’s success was largely due to their army because it helped them military and economically.