TO BE A ROMAN LEGIONARY

to be a Roman légionary

A Roman légionary is  a soldier  incorporated in one of the legions constituting the Roman army  in Antiquity.

HOW Does One BECOME LÉGIONARY IN The ROMAN ARMY?

the standard of the Roman legion

In Roman Antiquity, all  the Roman, old citizens from 17 to 60 years, owe the military service in the State:  the juniores  (17-46 years) carry the weapons, while  the seniores  (46-60 years) constitute the reserve of Rome. Each one must provide its own armament. Richest, which can have and maintain a horse, integrate  the cavalry. The remainder of the troop, combatant to foot, composes the infantry.

The Roman citizens are divided between the various  legions, which count each one approximately 6 000 men including 300 riders. Under the Republic, they are directed by the consuls; under the Empire, it is directly the emperor who directs the whole of the army of légionaries.

WHICH IS The ROLE OF The ARMY IN The POWER OF 

ROME?

The army is the principal instrument of the Roman  conquest. Effective equipment, a rigorous organization and a severe discipline ensure the superiority of the Roman army on its enemies.

After a victory, the General is carried in  triumph  during an official ceremony in Rome. Its best soldiers receive  a share of the spoils. This practice made soldiers of the very devoted men to their head.

Of An ARMY OF CITIZENS To An ARMY OF VOLUNTEERS

In the beginning, the majority of the Roman soldiers are  country small holders. The policy of conquest of Rome impoverishes them dangerously because their grounds remain in waste land the time of the campaigns, which limits their incomes.

This is why, in 107 before J-C, the Marius consul decides to transform the army of citizens into  an army of volunteers. Because this new Roman army pays  a pay  as of the soldiers, it recruits many poor citizens. These new légionaries engage for 20 years (when they are Roman citizens) or for 25 years (when they live in the Roman provinces).

WHAT BECOMES A LÉGIONARY AFTER HIS SERVICE?

At the end of the military service, the Roman légionary becomes  a veteran. After the reform of the army by Marius, the Roman soldiers profit from  a ground  to leaving their military service. These colonies of veterans strongly contribute to the romanisation of the Empire.

TO GO FURTHER

? ancient Rome
? Rome, capital of the Roman Empire
? circus games in Rome
? to be Gallo-Roman

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