background preloader

Warfare

Facebook Twitter

Osprey Publishing - Military History Books. Roman infantry tactics, strategy and battle formations. Roman infantry tactics refers to the theoretical and historical deployment, formation and maneuvers of the Roman infantry from the start of the Roman Republic to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Roman infantry tactics, strategy and battle formations

The article first presents a short overview of Roman training. Roman performance against different types of enemies is then analyzed. Finally a summation of what made the Roman tactics and strategy militarily effective through their long history is given below, as is a discussion of how and why this effectiveness eventually disappeared. The focus below is primarily on Roman tactics - the "how" of their approach to battle, and how it stacked up against a variety of opponents over time. It does not attempt detailed coverage of things like army structure or equipment.

Evolution[edit] Roman Legion. In reference to the early Roman Kingdom (as opposed to the Roman Republic or empire), "the legion" means the entire Roman army.

Roman Legion

Because of the enormous military successes of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire, the legion has long been regarded as the prime ancient model for military efficiency and ability. See List of Roman legions for a catalogue of known late republic, early Empire and late Empire legions, with dates in existence, emblem and locations of deployment.

Overview of typical organization & strength[edit] Because legions were not standing units until the Marian reforms (c. 107 BC), and were instead created, used, and disbanded again, several hundred legions were named and numbered throughout Roman history. To date, about 50 have been identified. History[edit] Roman kings (to c.500 BC)[edit] Until the 4th century BC, the massive Greek phalanx was the mode of battle. Early civilian authorities called praetors doubled as military leaders during the summer war season. Sword. A sword is a weapon (edged weapon) used primarily for cutting or thrusting.

sword

The precise definition of the term varies with the historical epoch or the geographical region under consideration. A sword in the most narrow sense consists of a straight blade with two edges and a hilt. However, in nearly every case, the term may also be used to refer to weapons with a single edge (backsword). Historically, the sword developed in the Bronze Age, evolving from the dagger; the earliest specimens date to ca. 1600 BC. The Iron Age sword remained fairly short and without a crossguard. The use of a sword is known as swordsmanship or (in an early modern or modern context) as fencing. The sword is said to be the emblem of military honour and should incite the bearer to a just and generous pursuit of honour and virtue. History[edit] Ancient history[edit] Bronze Age[edit] Apa-type swords, 17th-century BC. Iron Age[edit] 19th-century illustration of Hallstatt swords Greco-Roman Antiquity[edit] Middle Ages[edit]