The Roman Legion 14 AD-235 AD
The Roman Republic was established in 509 B.C. and lasted until 27 B.C. when the Roman Empire replaced it. During the Roman Republic the Roman army was intentionally composed of landowners. The Roman philosophy behind this strategic maneuver revolved around the belief that landowners would defend their property and country more conscientiously than those who had no vested interest.
The policy of using landowners in the army continued until Rome began to expand its borders. Soldiers were deployed overseas to protect the lands that had fallen to Roman conquest as well as to invade new lands. As a result of its expansionist policies Rome needed more soldiers that it could provide by using landowners. Further justification for a change in policy was that Romans sent oversees were not necessarily as vigilant in regard to protecting land in their ownership since that land was far from where they were stationed. This made the use of landowners no more beneficial than that of non-landowners. The land owner requirement was consequently dropped in 107 B.C.
Rome began to employ alternative strategies in staffing their great armies. When Rome conquered a country they made the conquered peoples citizens of Rome and as such the people of the provinces could volunteer and serve in the army. Since land ownership was no longer a prerequisite, the lower classes were allowed to enter the army also and these volunteers developed into a loyal, professional army. The army grew in numbers until about 20 B.C. when it was about 300,000 strong. The size of the army remained at about the same numbers until the fall of the empire.
The Roman army was divided into elements called legions. A legion consisted of from 4,000 to 6,000 men according to different time periods. During the Roman Empire the emperor appointed a general to command each legion. The general, in turn, was allowed six commissioned officers as aides. These aides were known as tribunes. Somewhere ver 60 non-commissioned officers called centurions, the equivalent of the sergeant in the present-day U.S. military, served under the tribunes. The centurions were effective leaders of the army. Each centurion was in charge of about 100 men in a section called a century.
When going into battle the legion would form into 120 men groups called a maniple. The legion battle formation would be three rows of maniples. In the front row the maniples would leave a space equivalent to another maniple between each maniple. The front row would meet the enemy force and throw their spears then attack with swords. This would allow the second row to charge into the empty space left between the attacking front row maniples and give support with a second wave after initial contact by the front row. The third row would then enter the fight and with thrusting spears secure the battle. These tactics along with the well-trained professional soldiers made the Roman army one of the greatest fighting forces in history.
If efficiency can be gauged by the acquisition of land, the efficiency of the Roman Empire would decline somewhat between the first and third centuries A.D. During this period there were 25 Roman emperors. Although the Roman Empire was at its height of power and prosperity between A.D. 96 and 180 during the reign of Antonines, the Empire expanded its territory very little after the death of Augustus in A.D. 14. The period beginning with the reign of Augustus in 27 B.C. and extending 200 years into Rome s future became known as the Pax Romana (The Roman Peace). This was a period of great stability for the Roman Empire. Warfare did continue but it was somewhat less intense and frequent. In this respect it would be more appropriate to assess the efficiency of the Roman legions as one of stabilization not of declination.
During the peace, however, some major involvements did occur. On Augustus death Tiberius, who was not only Augustus stepson but also his son-in-law, became the emperor of Rome (Asimov 196). His path to the throne leaves many questions which are sure to entertain historians well into the future but he would wisely follow the footsteps of Augustus in not invading Britain, judging that the Empire was already too extensive (Goldsmith PG). Tiberius was succeeded by Caligula and then by Claudius. Caligula would content himself with idle threats against Britain but take no real action (Goldsmith PG). Emperor Claudius would, however, invade Britain in A.D. 43 and Trajan conquered Dacia in A.D. 106 (Connor PG). Even in the notorious British invasion the intensity of warfare which erupted was nothing to match that of the Empire s earlier history (Connor PG). Some say that Britain welcomed the invasion with open arms realizing the potential benefit of Roman rule (Connor PG). The Roman fronts were efficiently manned but all-in-all the likelihood of a legionary engaging in serious warfare decreased during the time period of the Roman Peace.
Beginning with the reign of Marcus Aurelius in A.D. 161 the stability of the Roman Peace would begin to decline. Emperor Marcus Aurelous was threatened by invaders from Germany in the north and the Parthians from the east. Aurelius would be succeeded to the throne by his son, Commodus. With the death of Commodus in 192 the Roman Empire would experience serious disruption. During a 50 year period, spanning between 235 to 284 A.D., 60 different emperors would make their way to the throne seizing power by force. This would be the end of the Roman Peace and the end of Roman stability.
Conclusions
The history of the Roman Empire contains periods of much turmoil interspersed with periods of great stability. While it was true that Augustus himself preferred peaceful methods to warlike methods, his reign had seen much bloodshed (Grant 160). Consequently, the Roman empire saw much expansion and progressions during his the reign of Augustus. The Eastern Frontier was pushed forward, Galatia was formed, Numidia was annexed and Roman troops reached the Elbe River and these were only a small portions of the victory of Augustus and of Rome (Grant 160). During the reign of Augustus the chances of a legion not encountering serious warfare was slight. In contrast, the period beginning in A.D. 14 was a period of great stability and relatively little serious warfare. The period beginning with the reign of Marcus Aurelius in A.D. 161 would once again become a period of turbulence for the Roman Empire. One emperor after another would fight his way to the throne and the military would be shaken from the constant change in power and policy. Although there was still little external warfare of any significance, there were threats by armies invading the Empire. The Roman Empire was beginning a slow spiral of decline, a decline which would end with its demise over 200 years later in 476 A.D.
Другие работы по теме:
Beginnings Of Christianity Essay Research Paper By
Beginnings Of Christianity Essay, Research Paper By the time Constantine declared himself a Christian in 313 CE, almost half of the Roman population had abandoned the traditional Roman gods for Christianity (Galloway 4). The reason for the spread of this particular religion was because the ideas behind it were simple and easy for the people of the Roman world to embrace.
Roman Burial Customs Essay Research Paper Roman
Roman Burial Customs Essay, Research Paper Roman Burial Customs The Etruscans were the first major rulers of Rome, and their customs were incorporated into early Roman custom. The importance of life after death for the Etruscans is seen in the large and elaborate necropoleis (cities of the dead) surrounding each town, and also in the size and variety as well as the decoration of rock-cut tombs.
Sadistic People Suck Essay Research Paper Your
Sadistic People Suck Essay, Research Paper Your inner demon turned you about, your inner demon burned you out. Torment, tease and frustrate you, your inner demon tears you apart. Little inner circle of hell is where you dwell inside and out of you there is no difference, your covered in shame yet your the one to blame.
Archimedes Of Syracuse Essay Research Paper Archimedes
Archimedes Of Syracuse Essay, Research Paper Archimedes of Syracuse (ca. 287-ca. 212 BC) Greek mathematician who flourished in Sicily. He is generally considered to be the greatest mathematician of ancient times. Most of the facts about his life come from a biography about the Roman soldier Marcellus written by the Roman biographer Plutarch.
Environmental Archaeology Essay Research Paper IF
Environmental Archaeology Essay, Research Paper IF we want to know how humans functioned we must know what their world was like ? thus environmental reconstruction Geomorphical and biological processes occurring
Roman Republic Essay Research Paper The author
Roman Republic Essay, Research Paper The author Michael Crawford wrote the book The Roman Republic to offer an interpretation about the Roman Empire. This was done to educate the reader about how Rome gained its greatness and became the military and cultural center of the world at that time. He wanted to inform the readers about how the Roman Empire grew from one city tribe, to dominate the Italian peninsula, and finally to conquer the Mediterranean coast.
Astrology Essay Research Paper it was about
Astrology Essay, Research Paper it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like
The Protestant Reformation Essay Research Paper I
The Protestant Reformation Essay, Research Paper I walked around town thinking about the Reformation that would make great impacts on the history of my village in Germany and other lands. Most people in Europe are prayer people who accept all aspects of the church, whether or not they personally believed in the idea or not.
Ptolemy Sucks Ass Essay Research Paper 1
Ptolemy Sucks Ass Essay, Research Paper 1. Ptolemy established his own latitude and longitude places in the Roman Empire. Since he was wrong by about 30 % he estimated the earth to be one
Greek And Roman Arches And Architecture Essay
, Research Paper Architectural designs changed greatly since the ancient times. Most famous architectures and sculptures today originated from the Greek and Roman civilizations. Moreover,
St Elizabeth Essay Research Paper I chose
St. Elizabeth Essay, Research Paper I chose the name Elizabeth for my confirmation name after Saint Elizabeth. I feel that she is a very important part in history.
Roman Violence Essay Research Paper The numerous
Roman Violence Essay, Research Paper The numerous conquest of the Roman army lead to the glorification of violence in Rome. Violence became a socially acceptable among the Roman people and was considered a form of entertainment. Rome was a state filled with warriors that would resort to killing each other for their own gain.
Punic War Essay Research Paper The Second
Punic War Essay, Research Paper The Second Punic War was lost because General Hannibal did not have the right engineering to conquer Roman Cities. If General Hannibal could not conquer Roman cities then he would never be able to conquer the Roman Empire. Hannibal had the right leadership and a large enough army to defeat the Romans.
History Essay Research Paper 4 discuss the
History Essay, Research Paper 4. discuss the values which helped the Romans build an empire from a city-state.From a city-state to Roman Empire, the values such as individualism and Greek idea helped the Romans build an empire from a city-state. During a city-state period, the Romans were very concerned about maintaining the customs or traditions of their ancestors.
Ancient Roman Art Essay Research Paper Early
Ancient Roman Art Essay, Research Paper Early Roman art reflected previous civilizations, but astime passed, the Romans developed an artistic style completelytheir own. One very unique aspect of the Roman civilization, which setup art, was the use of public baths. At first these public bathsconsisted only of dressing room suites and bathing chambers.
The Roman Military Essay Research Paper The
The Roman Military Essay, Research Paper The strength of the Roman military was the string that held the Roman Empire together for as long as it lasted. The military was made up of strictly disciplined men whom were ready and willing to serve their emperor.
Costantine
– Byzantine Culture Essay, Research Paper HECTOR MERCEDES HISTORY 101-003 PROFFESOR RICHARD GREEN COSTANTINE/BYZANTINE CULTURE MAY 11, 2000 The Byzantine Empire was the eastern part of the Roman Empire, which survived the destruction of the western empire. Constantinople, which is now Istanbul, Turkey, was the capital city.
Constantine Essay Research Paper November 9 1998Brandon
Constantine Essay, Research Paper November 9, 1998 Brandon McGarrell Constantine and Sigma Chi The design of the white cross that symbolizes Sigma Chi is patterned after the Christian cross that Emperor Constantine had envisioned the night before he attacked Rome in the battle at Melvin Bridge. Maxentius, the leader of the Roman army had died a few days earlier due to poor construction of a bridge while on retreat.
St Augustine Essay Research Paper Augustine of
St. Augustine Essay, Research Paper Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) took great pains to create and project a powerful image of himself beyond the churches and towns where he wrote and taught in Roman
The Roman Empire Essay Research Paper Greek
The Roman Empire Essay, Research Paper Greek culture laid the foundation for the Roman Empire. The Roman people wanted to be like the Greek people. For example the Romans made a sculpture of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The Romans recognized the Greek art and architecture to be very well done. Since the Romans likes these traits of the Greek they used the Greeks ideas and created there own.
Misconception Essay Research Paper MisconceptionWe often have
Misconception Essay, Research Paper Misconception We often have misconceptions with people. When I was in fifth grade my parents presented me with a new electronic game, called Sega. The reason for that is, because I studied hard and was obedient. The game was placed into the corner of my room next to TV.
Julius Caesar Essay Research Paper Julius CaesarVeni
Julius Caesar Essay, Research Paper Julius Caesar Veni, vidi, vici. ?I came, I saw, I conquered.? These are the words of the man who changed the course of Greco-Roman history, Julius Caesar (Bernard 34). Julius Caesar
The Art Of Ancient Rome Essay Research
Paper The Art of Ancient Rome The Roman sculptures and architectures were greatly influenced by the Greeks and also some effects by the Etruscans. Romans were influenced mostly by Greek art in many ways. It was because the variety of paintings, sculptures, and the different style of early architectures presented in every period of Roman history.
Julius Caesar 5 Essay Research Paper Julius
Julius Caesar 5 Essay, Research Paper Julius Caesar William Shakespeare s play, Julius Caesar, is mainly based on the assassination of Julius Caesar. The various men who happened to object to his assassination had different personal desires for their actions. Depending on each of their actions, words or even tone of voice they may misrepresent them and may be misinterpreted.
Braveheart Essay Research Paper I have just
Braveheart Essay, Research Paper I have just recently watched the film 1995 film Braveheart directed by and starring Mel Gibson. The main thing that I noticed about the film was not the art or architecture, but the lack there of. In ancient Roman times, there was some kind of Roman architecture almost everywhere.