The Roman Military

The Roman Military fought many battles partially because of their military genius, partly because of their weapons, and partly because of their units. They had the most men in their army, thus conquering the Mediterranean world. However, their weapons were also very important in their success. The weapons they used most commonly in wars were "The Gladius," a short sword which has been manipulated through the years which was used around 100 AD. 

    The Pompeii sword was also in use around the first century AD. The weapon had straight parallel edges and  a short stabbing point. These swords were continued to be used for another century. Mainz swords, which had slightly curved edges were ideal for stabbing thrusts. Also, legionaries carried heavy javelins which could pierce 25 mm of a wooden shield. The Romans basically used swords and shields to fight their wars.

Although the Romans had good weapons, they also needed good units. They Roman army had special men including catapults, legionaries, and soldiers.  The Roman military had groups called legions, and were an organized group of 5000 men. Rome built a strong military and defeated the Mediterranean world as well as taken over Sicily.

However, the Romans forced their citizens to fight in their army and expanded it while they conquered other nations. They treated their victims well and hoped to accept them in to their empire. The Romans marched off in to battles year after year and battled all the other nations.

The Roman leaders were also extremely strong in order to destroy so many  different countries. Although Hannibal took defeated them, Scipio Africanus, a strong leader who could match Hannibal, defeated him with the army.. Rome tripped over many obstacles but overcame them all. This led them to be one of the most important powers in the world.

                                                                      Courtesy of Frederic Sheu