Page 56 - History of War - Issue 10-14

RMAN
THE

WAR MACHINE

Discover how the organisation, weapons and training
techniques of Rome’s legions conquered the world

he Roman Empire dominated
global battlefi elds for centuries,
Tinvading huge swathes of
Europe and making signifi cant inroads
into both Africa and Asia Minor. Pax
Romana, Roman peace, lasted from
approximately 27 BCE to 180 CE,
when the majority of Europe was under civilisations of the age,
long-term Roman administration. soldiers were given full-time
During this time the barbarian hordes pay. In fact, a soldier was
were quelled and the Empire enjoyed one of the fi nest careers in
relative tranquillity – Roman citizens the Empire. A legionary was
had their formidable army to thank for paid 225 denarii for one year’s
this. Expertly trained and impeccably service and even earned a
organised, Roman soldiers were among pension and sometimes a portion
the best armed soldiers the world had of land after they retired, which
ever seen. The Roman war machine was usually after 25 years.
outwitted its barbarian opponents by On the battlefi eld soldiers
using expert battle tactics and perfectly worked together as one fi ghting
engineered weapons and armour. entity, calling upon several deadly
Whether they were fi ghting on the combat techniques to unleash on
sands of Egypt at the height of summer, the enemy with devastating effect.
or the cold icy wastes of northern Europe However, perhaps the most remarkable
in winter, the legions had the tools and aspect of the army was its transport
dedication for the job. The hierarchy and and communication systems. Managing
structure of the army was rigidly ordered, the logistics and administration of
from the legate generals at the top, all such a huge army in ancient times
the way down to the munifex legionaries was a tricky business, so it was a
at the bottom. phenomenal achievement that Roman
The Romans also pioneered the generals kept their military machine so
fi rst siege weapons and, unlike other well oiled for such a long time.

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