Roman Army: Caesar, Augustus, Marius Reforms & Organization
The Roman Army: Caesar, Augustus, and Marius
Caesar: Caesar neither reformed Pompey nor anything essential in the army. The cohort tactics were at their peak for former infantry. Caesar never rigidly established rules, but adapted to the circumstances to make the best use of them. He increased the importance of bequests, which were his lieutenants, while adjusting the proportion of the tribunes.
Augustus made a series of reforms in the military:
- The supreme command was given to the prince (Augustus), who delegated to the legacies.
- The army continued even in peacetime, just to maintain it.
- The legions differed from previous ones in that they incorporated permanent auxiliary units of cavalry and infantry. Recruitment was usually voluntary. Most soldiers came from the provinces. After over 20 years of service, veterans were given money or lands upon graduation.
- Augustus created nine praetorian cohorts, which represented a great innovation.
- For the defense of the city, he created three urban cohorts and other urban guards: guards for day, night, fire, etc.
The Camp
The Camp: It was square (more than 600m per side) or rectangular, with two main streets, the via praetoria and via principalis, crossing at the center. The gate called porta praetoria faced east or towards the enemy camp. The porta decumana opened to the rear, or general store. Next to the praetorium was the quaestorium (residence and seat of the quaestor/quartermaster). Officers slept in individual tents. The troops were housed in stores of 9 to 11 men. These stores were leather, rectangular shaped with a twofold roof. The camp was fortified by a moat and a wall topped by a palisade.
Handling System and Organization
Handling System:
Organization: The Romans had very important military conflicts with major warring peoples: Gauls, Etruscans, Samnites, and the army of Pyrrhus. These wars forced them to improve their military. The replacement of the phalanx system is the most important of these reforms. At this time, the Legion had 4200 men, divided into: 600 triarii (soldiers of the first rank), 1200 principes (soldiers of 2nd rank), 1200 hastati (soldiers of the third rank), and 1200 velites (soldiers of lower category).
Weapons: Weapons were replaced by:
- Pilum: A kind of spear, about 140 cm long, made of iron and wood.
- Gladius: A Spanish sword, broad-bladed double-edged, sharpened and about 60-70 cm long.
As defensive weapons, they used shields, helmets, leather armor, leather greaves, and breastplates.
Marius’ Reforms
Marius’ Reforms:
Replacement of the maniple by the cohort: The cohort is the union of three maniples, although not a complete merger. Its organization is:
- Centuria (100 men)
- Manipulus (200 men)
- Cohors (600 men)
- Legio (6000 men)
Modification of recruitment and service time: Before this reform, only landowners could be soldiers. For those who could still remain in their possession, military service meant ruin, for nothing had the army was the solution to their problems. Marius conducted recruiting volunteers from among the proletariat. Continuing forced levies. He prolonged the service time and formed a standing army and professional force.
Other changes: The socii (allied) forces disappeared as distinct and were integrated into the legion. The light infantry and the cavalry were not part of the legion.
The legions adopted the eagle as a symbol that was taken into battle. It gave identity and continuity. It was revered and preserved in a sanctuary. Discipline and instruction were improved.