大象传媒

Exploring the formidable Roman Army - its organisation, tactics and influence.

3. The Roman army

Julia discovers a fragment of metal - part of a Roman sword, called a gladius. Julia describes how the gladius was a standard part of a Roman soldiers uniform and equipment which also included sandals, leggings, a dagger, a scarf, a cloak and a helmet.

Julia goes on to describe how the Roman army was organised into cohorts and legions. The soldiers swore and oath to the republic and later the emperor and served for 25 years. A centurion was a commander in charge of 80 to 100 soldiers. Legionaries were soldiers who were citizens of Rome, who enjoyed benefits such as being given land to farm on retirement. Auxiliaries were soldiers drawn from across the empire, who did not enjoy the same benefits as legionaries. The standard-bearer had the honour of carrying the legions standard.

Roman army well-trained and disciplined. Its tactics included the testudo ('tortoise') when the soldiers would place their shields side-by-side and overhead to create a defensive wall, like the shell of a tortoise.

Duration: 4' 01"

Final words: '鈥here would be no Roman empire.'

Video questions

  • What was the sword of a Roman soldier called? (A gladius)
  • How many soldiers did a centurion command? (80 to 100)
  • What was the main difference between legionaries and auxiliaries? (Legionaries were citizens of Rome, whereas auxiliaries were enlisted from across the empire; legionaries were paid more and enjoyed other benefits)
  • What was the testudo or 'tortoise'? (A tactic in which the soldiers used their shields to create a defensive 'shell')
  • What was the standard-bearer? (The person in the largest cohort who carried the eagle standard)
  • How many kilometres of roads did the Romans construct? (A network of 80,000 km)
  • Can you name three of the Roman weapons that are named in the film? (The catapult; the balista (like a giant cross-bow) and the pilum (a type of spear)

This film is relevant for teaching History within the National Curriculum at KS2 in England and Northern Ireland and equivalent levels in Scotland and Wales.

Back to top

Further resources

Download / print the Teacher Notes prepared in partnership with Classroom Secrets (pdf)

Teacher Notes

Click to download / print the episode transcript

Transcript

Song: 'Signals!' video

Learn a song about the Roman army from our musical 'Rocking Romans!'

Song: 'Signals!'
Back to top

2. The Roman Empire. video

Exploring the government of Ancient Rome and how the republic became an empire.

2. The Roman Empire

4. The Romans in Britain. video

Exploring the Roman invasion and settlement of Britain, including resistance by Boudica and the Iceni.

4. The Romans in Britain

5. The legacy of Ancient Rome. video

Exploring the enduring influence of Ancient Rome on modern Britain and countries around the world.

5. The legacy of Ancient Rome
Back to top