Romans in Britain Sources

Question 1

Barrack Blocks at Chester’s, Northumberland

Answer 1

8 men per living space - contubernium
was a fort where soldiers lives whilst building Hadrian’s wall
very limited living quarters
doorway visible
very damaged

Question 2

“For an army with broken lines or lacking formation always faces the most serious danger from the enemy.”
- Vegetius, Epitoma rei militaris

Answer 2

Formation was key in both the army and training
Physical intensity

Question 3

“Every recruit must learn how to swim… for it is not always possible to cross rivers by bridge: an army often is forced to swim both when retreating and when in pursuit… An inability to swim brings danger not only from the enemy but also the water itself.”
- Vegetius, Epitoma rei militaris

Answer 3

Armies had to deal with harsh terrains
Talks of the dangers the army faced even when not in battle

Question 4

“The recruit must be trained for jumping, by which ditches are jumped over or some high obstacle can be overcome.”
- Vegetius, Epitoma rei militaris

Answer 4

Emphasizes the physical intensity of the training recruits went through

Question 5

“Shields were double the weight that was customary for an ordinary shield. They gave recruits wooden dummies double weight instead of swords.”
- Vegetius, Epitoma rei militaris

Answer 5

Recruits had to learn how to use heavier equipment efficiently so that using the normal equipment seemed ‘easy’.

Question 6

-Vegetius

Answer 6

300AD
Not sure what his role was
Secondary source
Unsure whether he served in the army or not

Question 7

“of an optio, awaiting promotion to centurion, serving in the century of Lucilius Ingenuus, who died in a shipwreck… he lies.”

Answer 7

tells his position in the army (between a legionary and centurion in rank)
shows the normal career path
sense of danger even when not in battle
his body was never found - his spirit remained restless as the proper burial rituals weren’t performed
found at Chester - Roman fort

Question 8

“Here lies Rufus Sita, cavalryman in the sixth cohort of Thracians. He lived 4- years and served for 22 years. His heirs had this set up, according to his will.”

Answer 8

tells his position in the army
Greek soldier - armies were made of many different people
suggests that he joined at 18 - normal
prepared before his death - the importance of a proper burial