Introduction

The spread of the Roman Empire was partly due to the fact that the Roman army was so well organised. At the time of its invasion of Britain, the Roman army was the most disciplined and efficient killing machine that the ancient world had ever known. Its men were well-equipped and highly trained, and operated in strict formation on the battlefield.

A Roman centurion leading his men.

The Roman Army

A centurion commanded 80 men divided into ten sections of eight. Six centuries of eighty men formed a cohort, and ten cohorts made up a legion (about 5,000).

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The Roman Soldier

Roman soldiers were very strong and tough, they had to march over 20 miles a day with heavy things to carry. They had to carry equipment such as tents, food, cooking pots and weapons as well as wearing all their armour.

The Roman army was divided into two groups - legionaries and auxiliaries.

Roman Legionary	Roman Auxiliary

Roman Legionary

The Roman legionary was a soldier who was a Roman citizen younger than 45.

The legionaires of the Roman army were recruited only from those who had Roman citizenship. By the first century, many inhabitants of Italy, Spain and Gaul (France) were Roman citizens and were eligible to serve.

Legionaires served in the army for 20 years. They were well-armed and well trained fighting men They were also skilled engineers and craftsmen because they had to build roads, bridges and forts.

Roman Auxiliary

The Auxiliaries of the Roman army were non-Roman citizens. They were recruited from tribes that had been conquered by Rome or were allied to Rome. Roman Auxiliaries were paid less than the legionaires and had to serve for 25 years, after which they became Roman citizens.

The Roman Cavarly

A troop of 120 horsemen, who served as scouts and messengers were attached to each Roman legion.

Label the Roman Soldier

Other websites

Dress the Roman Legionaire