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The Roman Army
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The main reason that the Romans were able to conquer such a large empire was their well-disciplined and highly-trained army. The army was an attractive career for poor men. There was the chance of being killed but the wages were good and, if they survived, retired soldiers enjoyed many privileges. The main strength of the army was the legions of infantrymen recruited only from Roman citizens. There were also support troops called auxiliaries.
(A) BRIDGE OF BOATS
Roman armies could cross wide rivers by anchoring boats to the river bed and laying a road across their decks.
(B) WATCHTOWER
Watchtowers lined the empire's borders. Guards used beacon fires to raise the alarm.
(C) LEGIONARIES
Legionaries on the march carried heavy packs, often covering over 18 miles a day.
(D) CENTURION
A centurion commanded a unit of 80 men called a century. His helmet had a tall crest.
(E) STANDARD BEARER
When attacking, soldiers followed a pole with an emblem on it called a standard. They rallied around it in an emergency.
(F) AUXILIARIES
Auxiliaries served as border guards or as specialist soldiers, such as archers and cavalrymen.
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Previous:
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Book:
The Romans
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Section:
The Romans
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Chapter:
The Roman Army
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