Roman Military Tactics

James F. Hagan III
HIST-101-V7
September 30, 2013
The Sharp Edge of State Policy: The Organization and Tactics of the Roman Military
It is an organization lauded by historians, and immortalized in works of fiction. Its symbols are still recognized today as something unique and special. Its successes and failures are the topic of countless studies both scholarly and amateur. It is one of the model fighting forces in the history of the world, unlike any other seen before. It is the Roman military, and its organization and tactics are the foundation upon which it is based. These foundations in turn allowed the military to become the instrument which shaped the Empire (Rome: Echoes 135) and allowed Roman policy to be implemented in one
Armor pieces included the helm, which protected the face, head, and neck, the torso covering consisting of overlapping metal plates, and the scutum, the large square shield of the legionary. The weapons load consisted of two pila (spears) and the gladius (short sword). The lighter of the pila was intended for ranged attacks, while the heavier one was used to receive charges from opposing forces or used in a stabbing manner. The gladius was used in a short stabbing motion, and was very useful in any Roman tactical formation (Goldsworthy 122-133). Food rations were carried on campaign or issued when in fort, and were almost always in unprepared form, and consisted of grain, meat, cheese, and sour wine. The members of tent units cooked and ate together (Goldsworthy 97). Other equipment carried could include a saw, pickaxe, sickle, chain, rope, spade, and a basket for earth removal (Rome: Echoes 136). This equipment was what helped the legionary perform his non-fighting duties in either peacetime or after a victory while assimilating the conquered
The first thing done was the building a fortification based upon the military camp, but with technological marvels like aqueducts, plumbing, heated baths, and glass windows (Rome: Echoes 136). After the establishment of a permanent military presence, the individual members of the military would build a village for the local population. This is where the process of assimilation began, as the soldiers involved themselves in the day to day civilian life of the conquered area. Although common soldiers were forbidden to marry, they usually entered into common law arrangements with local women, establishing ties both social and economic to the area. Most would remain when their time of service was complete, bringing their expertise to the area, allowing the society to advance from their knowledge. Their children became Roman citizens, and perpetuated the cycle. In time the towns of a certain area could be recognized as colony, and later a province of the Empire, granting citizenship rights to all residents who met the legal requirements (Rome: Echoes