The Roman Army | Kids Discover Online (2024)

FAQs

Why was the Roman army so successful for kids? ›

Splitting their armies into smaller groups allowed the Romans to carry out a lot of task at the same time. Some soldiers could be used to guard the base while others could be used to build walls, roads, or forts. It meant that the Roman army was very skilled and very flexible – it could do more than just fight.

Height: 1.75M (5'8”) tall.

It was divided up into groups called 'legions'. Each legion had between 4,000 and 6,000 soldiers. A legion was further divided into groups of 80 men called 'centuries'. The man in charge of a century was known as a 'centurion'.

Most were volunteers. A Roman soldier was called a legionary because the army was divided into large units called legions. For training and fighting, each legion was split into smaller groups, called centuries, of 80 men each. Their commanders were centurions.

Throughout most of history soldier's loads were remarkably consistent, most often carrying about 50 to 60 pounds of equipment and supplies. Roman soldiers of whatever period tended to fall within this range.

The Romans did not invent drainage, sewers, the alphabet or roads, but they did develop them. They did invent underfloor heating, concrete and the calendar that our modern calendar is based on.

Early humans were 5 feet tall on average

Height and weight have not consistently increased together; early Neanderthals tended to be taller than those who came later, but their weight remained the same. Their short, stocky bodies gave them an advantage in colder climates.

The tallest Roman emperor in history was Maximinus Thrax, who reigned from 235 to 238 AD. Maximinus was known for his imposing stature, standing at an impressive height of around 8 feet (2.44 meters) tall.

Contrary to popular belief, not many gladiators actually fought to the death. Some historians say 1 in 5 died in battle, others 1 in 10, yet most only lived to their mid-twenties which compared to today's average is shocking!

The diet of a Roman soldier consisted of wheat, rations of smoked bacon or fresh meat (when available, usually pork), vegetables, legumes, cheese, vinegar, olive oil, and wine. These rations were issued several times per week so that every soldier would have carried food for around three days.

What did Roman children do for fun? ›

Children played ball games, went swimming, and engaged in mock battles. These activities promoted physical fitness, a valued trait in Roman society, particularly for boys who were expected to serve in the military. Festivals and holidays were occasions for special games and performances.

The Romans primarily ate cereals and legumes, usually with sides of vegetables, cheese, or meat and covered with sauces made out of fermented fish, vinegar, honey, and various herbs and spices. While they had some refrigeration, much of their diet depended on which foods were locally and seasonally available.

This marriage ban is directly attested to in papyri from Roman Egypt that show that soldiers' marriages were illegal and that their children born during service were illegitimate. Military diplomas granted to discharged soldiers show that veterans were given the right to marry.

Roman soldiers were paid 900 sestertii (225 denarii) during the time of Augustus. They were also given salt, thus the word "saldare" (give salt), which is the origin of the word, salary. 200 sestertii (or 50 denarii) was a subsistence wage per year for adults.

Roman soldiers did not have a fixed retirement age. Instead, their retirement was dependent on various factors such as length of service, campaigns fought, and the needs of the Roman Empire.

Rome would rely on brute force and sheer numbers when in doubt. The soldiers were trained to memorize every step in battle, so discipline and order could not break down into chaos. They were largely successful because of this.

Rome became the most powerful state in the world by the first century BCE through a combination of military power, political flexibility, economic expansion, and more than a bit of good luck. This expansion changed the Mediterranean world and also changed Rome itself.

The Roman Army , famed for its discipline, organisation, and innovation in both weapons and tactics, allowed Rome to build and defend a huge empire which for centuries would dominate the Mediterranean world and beyond.