Army Flashcards
1
Q
Roman army
A
- From citizen militia to professional army
- Empire: army on frontiers, not in centre of empire
- Major expense for the state
2
Q
Roman army in the Republic
A
- At first is citizen militia
- Marius’ reforms, late 2nd c. BC
(review) - Scene of census taking to
determine military and civic status
3
Q
Augustus’ reforms
A
- Standard terms of service
- Regular pay
- Discharge payment
- Military treasury to manage money
4
Q
Aerarium militare (military treasury)
A
- Started by Augustus with his own money
- 5% inheritance tax supports it after that
- Salaries
- Retirement bonuses
- Army pay and expenses now more regularized
5
Q
Structure of imperial legions
A
- 1 legion = 10 cohorts
- 1 cohort = 5 or 6 centuries
- 1 century = 80-100 men
- Legion at full strength is ca.
5000 people - Marius introduced the cohort
6
Q
Legions
A
- Only Roman citizens can join
- Increasingly these are Roman citizens from the provinces
- Fairly standardized equipment
- Recruits purchase it with their pay
- Serve for 20 years
- Should stay unmarried (no conubium)
7
Q
Equipment includes
A
- Helmet
- Cuirass
- Gladius: short stabbing sword
(Spanish origins) - Shield (rectangular)
- Javelin (pilum)
- Costs deducted from wages
8
Q
Soldiers
A
- Woolen cloak (caracalla)
- Hob-nailed sandals (caligae)
- Can you connect these items
to any emperors? - Eventually wear trousers in
cold northern provinces
9
Q
Auxiliaries
A
- Non citizens
- Citizens allowed to join too
- Break up ethnic groups
- Except specialties:
- Slingers, archers, cavalry etc.
- Fighting unit is cohort for infantry
- ala (wing) for cavalry
10
Q
Praetorian Guard
A
- Specialized force to protect emperor
- Stationed in Rome
- 9-12 cohorts of 500-800 men
- Only from Italy
- Pay is 3x legionary salary
- Bigger bonuses
- 16-year term
- Can be kingmakers
- Year of the 4 emperors (68-69 CE)
- Death of Commodus (192
CE)
