What enabled the Romans to build such an extensive empire?

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What enabled the Romans to build such an extensive empire?

Historians have debated this question for centuries and in order to attempt an answer it is essential to look at the key features of government, trade, populace and military. The enigma that enabled a small region in Italy to develop into a vast Empire in the space of 53 years is not an easy process to explain.

Rome possessed a unique political system; its army was vast and exceptionally skilful. She secured a substantial trading system which helped to swell the coffers and applied psychological influence in order to overcome the conquered masses.

There have been a range of attempts in history to recreate Rome’s’ accomplishments with varying degrees of success. Its engineering feats and symbolism is evident to this day, but ultimately, internal strife caused this great Empire to eventually implode.

There is no doubt that military strength is an essential component to the acquisition and maintenance of an empire.

“In the last resort, the peace and stability of the Empire depended on the army”.

In order to form an understanding of Rome’s military might, it is necessary too explain the structure of its Army. Roman soldiers were known as Legionaries and these were ordered into groups of eight men known as a conterberium or tent party. A century consisted of 10 conterberiums hence 80 men (not the hundred that we usually assume). A Centurion and, his second in command led each century, naturally enough, an Octio.If the Centurion was tasked elsewhere the Octio would take charge of that particular century in his absence. A Cohort comprises of 10 centuries and a Senior Centurion and his Octo commanded these. Each Legion would be commanded by a Legate and had four termes of equites or knights (equestrians). Each Legion and Century had a standard carried by an aquilifer.

During the time of Marius and Caesar, legionaries were well trained, highly organised and substantially motivated. This is evident by the writings of Josephus, a Jewish historian, who recorded descriptions of the Roman armies and camps in the years between 37-93AD.

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“…their military exercises differ not at all from the real use of arms, but every soldier is every day exercised, and that with the greatest diligence, as if it were time of war”.

Some of these exercises were designed to develop great physical strength and skill. The practice of throwing spearshafts (heavy javelins) and carrying provisions and arms, (weighing in the excess of 60 pounds), were standard training methods. Discipline and order were also crucial to the smooth running of a superior military machine.

…they live together by companies, with quietness and decency, as are all their ...

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