Humanities Alive 7 VC 3E

SOURCE2 Roman soldiers were well trained and well equipped.

H I

A Identify the key equipment that the soldiers carry. B How does training impact their effectiveness in battle? C What qualities made Roman soldiers successful? D Legions marched with a silver eagle pole, showing their power. E Sandals needed to be strong and well ventilated for long marches. Iron studs in the soles helped support and protect soldiers. F The dagger had a double-edged blade. G These tall, crested helmets helped soldiers see their leaders in battle. H Roman forts had wooden stakes called ‘palisades’ to keep them safe. I Soldiers often stood side by side, overlapping their shields to create a protective cover called a ‘testudo’, from the Latin word for tortoise.

J The javelin’s head had a soft iron strip that bent in shields, making removal hard. K Decorated leather belts showed a soldier’s rank and protected against injuries.

L The short sword was 60 cm long and used for stabbing up close. M The upper body armour had metal strips and leather straps.

SkillBuilder discussion Historical questions 1. Study SOURCE3 . Make a list of questions that you have about the structure of the Roman army.

SOURCE3 Structure of the Roman army

30 legions make up the whole Roman army

One legion had between 4000 and 6000 soldiers (10 cohorts led by a delegate)

2. What are your

observations about the army based on the diagram?

A cohort of about 480 legionaries

First cohort was double-sized

80 legionaries made a century. 6 centuries made normal cohort. The first cohort had 5 double centuries. Each century was led by a centurion

TOPIC5 Ancient Rome 143

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