Army Training
Roman soldiers did constant and vigorous training keeping them in peak condition.
Marching and Physical Training: A part of the armies training, was a twenty Roman miles (18.4 miles) march which had to be completed in 5 hours, carrying a full pack of weapons including, shields, food rations, cooking pot, short spade and their personal kit.
Weapons Training: Soldiers trained every morning practicing hand to hand combat with wooden swords, spears and shields that were deliberately heavier than those used in battle to increase the soldiers stamina. The soldiers trained with wooden swords and javelins, so no serious injures were sustained during practice. Specific drills and formations were practiced, so during fighting, all soldiers knew exactly what to do. The soldiers worked as a complete unit, staying in formation, presenting an armoured front against the enemy. No soldier wandered off to fight as this would cause a vulnerability to the rest of the formation creating a whole in their defence.
Marching and Physical Training: A part of the armies training, was a twenty Roman miles (18.4 miles) march which had to be completed in 5 hours, carrying a full pack of weapons including, shields, food rations, cooking pot, short spade and their personal kit.
Weapons Training: Soldiers trained every morning practicing hand to hand combat with wooden swords, spears and shields that were deliberately heavier than those used in battle to increase the soldiers stamina. The soldiers trained with wooden swords and javelins, so no serious injures were sustained during practice. Specific drills and formations were practiced, so during fighting, all soldiers knew exactly what to do. The soldiers worked as a complete unit, staying in formation, presenting an armoured front against the enemy. No soldier wandered off to fight as this would cause a vulnerability to the rest of the formation creating a whole in their defence.
Top Left, Middle & Bottom Right: Soldiers training with wooden equipment. Top Right, Bottom Left & Middle: Roman soldiers marching.