Page 34 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

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CE KEY DEVELOPMENT KEY FIGURE
JULIUS CAESAR
O 500 THE ROMAN WAR MACHINE 100–44bce

Roman general Julius Caesar
secured his reputation in a series
ORDS T Until the collapse of the western Roman empire in the 5th century CE, the Roman of campaigns in Gaul, from 58 to
50bce, securing large new provinces
legions formed the most formidable army of the Ancient World. Primarily an
for Rome. Dogged and tactically
infantry force, it underwent a number of changes during its time of dominance.
adept, Caesar ruthlessly suppressed
tribes who opposed
him, such as the
AND SW The early Roman army was a citizen militia, drawn Drawn up in these three lines—each divided Belgae and Nervii,
mainly from the wealthier classes. It owed its early
and was made
into 10 maniples (units) of around 150 men—
dictator for
successes to Rome’s ability to conscript large numbers the legion fought in much the same way as many
life. Soon after,
of recruits in times of war, and to its formidable
ancient armies. Supporting cavalry (equites) and
however, he was
assassinated.
TS tactical organization and training, which were far light infantry (velites) would attempt to turn the ◀ At the time of
superior to those of its Italian enemies. The early
enemy flank, while the heavy infantry tried to
legions had three categories of heavy infantry—the
breach their opponents’ line. Few armies could
his assassination,
CHARIO the best-quality troops, and the triarii, the veterans. legion suffered major setbacks when faced with planning further
Julius Caesar was
hastati, who were the least experienced, the principes, match the Romans in number or skill, but the
military conquests, of
the Dacians and the
the tactical genius of the Carthaginian general
The hastati and principes were armed with heavy
Parthians.
javelins ( pila), whereas the triarii had thrusting
Hannibal, during the Second Punic War.
spears (hastae). The legionaries were protected by
bronze helmets and semi-cylindrical body shields THE MARIAN REFORMS
and, from the mid-3rd century bce, they were Although the Roman army ultimately won the ▼ THE BATTLE OF THE TREBIA
In 218bce, Hannibal turned the
armed with a short sword—the gladius hispaniensis Second Punic War, its performance during the Roman flanks by defeating their
—that became known as their signature weapon. 2nd century bce was lackluster and it struggled in cavalry, then attacking from the rear.