Roman Culture
Roman Army
and Legions
and Legions
Gladiators
The Colosseum
- Every Roman male was required to serve if called upon.
- If a Roman male deserted the army, he would be punished by death.
- Roman soldiers, or legionaries, were trained well.
- Training included marching, physical exercise, and combat practice. (Training)
- Romans believed that it was more useful if a soldier was brave and strong rather than big. (Roman Army)
- The Roman troops were well organized.
- With such a strong army, Rome was able to conquer many.
- Those that they conquered were allowed partial rights, and some were even granted citizenship.
- The Romans used pilums, or throwing spears the most, as well as shields and a gladius, or sword. (Roman Weapons)
- Roman war tactics consisted of building walls around their enemies to cut off food, water, and supplies, ramming the city walls to create a hole to enter through, and catapulting missiles inside. (Roman Army)
- Different battle formations were used depending on the situation. Some exampes are the Pig's Head, Square Formation, and Tortoise. In the Tortoise formation, soldiers would lock thier shields together for good protection. (Roman Army Formations)
- Gladiators were slaves or volunteers who would fight to the death in the Colosseum.
- They fought to provide entertainment to the Roman people.
- Slaves and criminals could earn their freedom by surviving 3-5 years of fighting. (The Roman Gladiator)
- Lower class men would become gladiators, and if they were lucky enough, they may get noticed by wealthy Roman citizens that may raise their popularity. (The Roman Gladiator)
- The Colosseum held fights between gladiators as well as animals.
- It was the largest amphitheather ever built by the Romans.
- It took the Romans a decade to complete it.
- It could house 50,000 people.
- Events in the Colosseum consisted of gladiatorial combat, chariot racing, circus acts, and plays. (Games of the Colosseum)
