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Without the Roman Army, there would not have been the Roman Empire. It was the formidability of the Roman Legion that help shaped the Ancient Western World. The Roman Army was a marvel of military organization and discipline, where countless tactical innovations were birthed, tested, and perfected. It was an impossibly enormous and efficient machine of war. You can also get a glimpse of its prowess in Michael H. Lavery’s LUCIUS, a story of a soldier facing a fateful reassignment.

The enduring legacy of the Roman Legion spans centuries and continues, to this day, to inspire the militaries of the modern world.

Veni, Vedi, Veci!

The glory of the Roman Army is firmly tied to its history. Like the Empire itself, the legions of Rome adapted fully to the times, changing accordingly to the ever-shifting political and military landscape. When Rome was still a young Republic, the army was still a militia composed of able-bodied citizens who had an obligation to serve their state. It is surprising to know that the early history of the Roman Legion was one beset with defeats, for while it was effective in winning local conflicts and against similar-sized militias, there was no bridging the gap when it came to battles with larger and more sophisticated armies.

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It was only until the reforms under Gaius Marius in the 1st century BC that the Roman Army came to form. Instead of a citizen’s militia, Marius introduced a professional standing army, recruiting soldiers from the lower classes to bolster Rome’s forces. With no burden of property ownership, Rome could field larger and larger forces that were more disciplined and capable of fighting over vast distances away from Rome itself and its territories.

The Roman Legion Marches: Military Structure

The fundamental unit of the Roman Army was the legion. At its peak, each legion was made up of about 5000 soldiers. These 5000 soldiers were then divided into ten cohorts, each with around 480 men. Then, there were the centuries, smaller units with approximately 80 men.

Within the ranks of the Roman Army, there was a strict hierarchy that could not be shaken. Inferiors answered their superiors and followed commands strictly to the letter. There would be no questions and no hesitation. No one was allowed to deviate, even if it meant death. This ensured that during every skirmish, command and control over the army was always efficient and decisive. Even the chaos of battle did little to shake the Roman Army.

_{Photo by Mehmet DEMİR}

The Roman Legion Marches: The Individual Soldier

Unlike many of its enemies, the Roman Army greatly prized the individual capabilities of each of its soldiers. All soldiers were salaried, and every one of their needs was well-tended, too. In exchange, the legionary was highly trained and extremely disciplined. This was to be expected and demanded since the Roman Army organized its soldiers in tight formations known as testudo, where soldiers had to interlock their shields, forming a protective wall that had to withstand the might of the enemy.

During the battle, a Roman soldier brought with him a pilum (which was a heavy javelin), a gladius (which was a short sword), and a scutum (which was a large and rectangular shield).

To be a Roman soldier was to live a life that was equally demanding and equally dangerous. You were expected to maintain discipline at all times, even outside of official duties. Your life was for Rome, and you had to prove it day by day. Of course, this sacrifice was not without recompense. A Roman soldier was paid regularly and given food and clothing. It was often a good job for many men. The Roman Army was also one of the most meritocratic systems within the Empire. Rising through the ranks was possible, as was the acquisition of wealth and social status. Thus, it was no wonder why many would join willingly.

The Legacy of the Roman Legion

Despite its inevitable decline, the Roman Army was not without its legacy. One can argue that all armies today, especially those in the West, are descended from them. To this day, there are many facets of their culture and their traditions strewn about the armies of the modern world.

LUCIUS: A Soldier’s Journey by Michael H. Lavery is a great book about Rome and its history as it intertwines with that of Christianity. Read more about it through this link.