Roman Legionary Combat Training (107 BC – 200 AD)
It’s difficult to think of a military force more disciplined, well-structured, or influential than the hardnosed legions of the early Roman Empire. Nascent legios safeguarded the budding Roman Republic as early as the 5th century BC. Organizational and operational reforms improved upon these early units, with Rome’s military might reaching its zenith during the late 2nd century BC. Early armies were nothing more than loosely organized part-time soldiers, while the legions of the late empire primarily consisted of unreliable mercenaries. In between these two ends of the strategic spectrum existed perhaps the finest standing army of antiquity.
During the early Roman Republic, General Gaius Marius instituted a series of improvements that professionalized military service. His edicts fundamentally changed the composition and role of the Roman army, which significantly affected the legions and those serving within their ranks. The most significant aspect of these “Marian reforms” was the unprecedented inclusion of landless men into the Roman ranks. Another innovation was the introduction of the Roman Legionary, or heavy infantry, that most people think of when imagining a soldier from the period. Expanding the army, however, meant that droves of new troops would require intense training and stern discipline.
The Roman chronicler Vegetius observed, “Victory in war does not depend entirely upon numbers or mere courage; only skill and discipline will insure it.” To that end, men assigned to the legions literally trained around the clock—drilling, marching, and fighting until exhaustion. Food was withheld from those who failed to master weapons training or specific drill movements. Soldiers were additionally forced to carry loads of at least 60 pounds over countless miles of rough and difficult terrain. Nonconformists, deserters, and cowards were kept in line with public beatings, torture, or the arbitrary murder (decimation) of their comrades.