What was life like in the Roman army?

Quick Test Words soldier republic centurion guarded shield

What was life like in the Roman Army? TrainingLifestyle BenefitsDisadvantages

Life in the Roman Army Organisation Recruitment Training PayPromotion FamiliesOther duties Length of Service Done!

How was the Roman Army organised? Choose another topic Legionary - a Roman soldier Century - 80 legionaries led by a Centurion Legion - 59 Centuries (nearly 5000 legionaries) Roman Army: about 30 legions (nearly 150,000 men)

How were Roman soldiers recruited? Only Roman citizens could serve in the legion A citizen presented a letter of introduction - probatio - to the recruiting officer Recruits had to: be able to read and write be at least 5’ 7” have good eyesight and hearing Non-Romans could serve in the auxiliary forces Choose another topic

What training did soldiers receive? Recruits had to march 20 miles in five hours At the end of the march recruits had to dig trenches and build their overnight camp Recruits trained with heavy wooden weapons: swords, spears and javelins Recruits learned battle formations: single line, double line square, wedge the testudo - ‘tortoise’ Choose another topic

Were soldiers paid for their service? By the 4th Century BC soldiers received money to pay for food and equipment Soldiers received extra money from emperors to keep them loyal Soldiers received a share of loot and slaves Soldiers were given land and cash when they retired Choose another topic

How were Roman soldiers promoted? Most soldiers started as foot soldiers Soldiers could be promoted to cavalry Junior Staff were in charge of the watch and passwords Senior staff were in charge of the legion’s standard After 15 to 20 years, a soldier might be promoted to the rank of Centurion The top centurion helped the general in his council of war Choose another topic

How long would soldiers serve in the military? Legionaries served for 16 years Auxiliaries had to serve for 25 years Soldiers had to serve an extra five years in reserve Choose another topic

What other duties would a soldier perform? Roman soldiers were great engineers Soldiers on campaign built... bridges camps siege works forts Soldiers not on campaign built... roads aqueducts shipping canals Soldiers also worked as police Choose another topic

Were legionaries allowed to have families? Roman soldiers were not allowed to marry Most soldiers had unofficial families where they were stationed Soldiers’ sons would often join the military Choose another topic

What was life like in the Roman Army? Example worksheet Training good training meant fewer casualties effective battle tactics trained to build camps and fortifications Lifestyle soldiers built roads and aqueducts soldiers could not marry many soldiers had unofficial families Benefits soldiers were well paid auxiliaries could become citizens soldiers got land when they retired Disadvantages years of fighting many soldiers were far from home risk of death in battle or from disease

Homework Learn the spelling of these words… legionary aqueduct auxiliary training tortoise