Roman Iimperial

Posted in Uncategorized on 07/22/2008 08:49 am by admin

Roman Iimperial

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In the late 3rd century B.C., the army of the Roman Republic was just emerging as a formidable power, as they now controlled the Italian Peninsula south of the Po River. The army was now rapidly becoming an offensive war machine. What made the army during this period so effective?

The biggest contributor was the important trait of being able to adapt and improve. After fighting with the Greeks and other societies that used the famous phalanx as their main tactical formation, the Romans adapted a more flexible and looser fighting method, which had a distinct tactical advantage over the phalanx. Also, the struggle with Hannibal showed that brilliant generals with inferior numbers could crush an enemy of superior numbers with less able generals. Rome realized that they needed to superior leadership to be an effective fighting force.

The power and effectiveness of the army also emanates from the superior fighting force and battle tactics of the army. Until the Marius Reforms in the late 2nd century B.C., the Roman army was comprised of five main troop types. Generally the youngest and poorest were recruited to the Velites. They served as skirmishers in the army and were intended to pepper the enemy with initial Javelin fire. They were equipped with swords, javelins, and a small circular shield (the parma). Velites also covered their helmets in wolf skin, to differentiate themselves from the rest of the army.

The main fighting force of the army consisted of three main troops: the Hastati, Principes, and Triarii. The Hastati, named after the thrusting spear they used to carry called the Hasta, were armed with the gladius (Spanish short-stabbing sword), two pila (one heavy and one light), and carried an oval shield called the Scutum. All troops wore bronze pectoral armor and a bronze helmet. However, the Hastati wore tall upright feathers to increase their apparent height and intimidate the opposing army.

The Principes were modeled in the same fashion as the Hastati, except they wore no feathers and were composed with more experienced men.

John Hilde is a collector of ancient armor and weapons as well as modern day collectibles. Get more information regarding roman armor.