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The Roman Army and Life

The Roman Army and Life

During its time the Roman army was able to improve its equipment substantially. Early helmets were bronze and failed to protect soldiers against the long swords of the Roman enemies. Flavius Camillus was credited in supplying the Roman army with iron helmets with a smoothed texture to fend off the swords. Camillus also introduced the rectangular shield called the scutum. Centuries later equipment and uniforms changed to include large feathers on top of their helmets in order to intimidate their enemies. Larger wooden swords were made and iron points were added. These improvements provided the Roman army advantages in battle.

As Rome expanded throughout Europe and acquired a growing number of citizens the army was able to greatly increase its numbers.

The Roman soldier was professional and highly paid. The soldiers were able to plunder newly acquired lands in order to increase their overall personal wealth.

Throughout the rise and fall of the Roman empire, the government was a combination of a democracy and republic. Starting with Romulus, Rome was first ruled by a series of seven kings until 509 BCE Rome constructed itself a Republic until 27BCE. During the republic, the Senate was the Roman’s central form of government. Around 81BC, the government reformed. Caesar Augustus was well known to have restored the Republic. Augustus was sometimes referred to as “High Priest” as he had . . . read more.