The Roman army - the most effective war machine of antiquity?

general courses

Remote learning

Roman army underwent a series of changes and reforms, often fundamental, which affected its combat effectiveness and, above all, its organisation. Thanks to it, new territories were not only conquered, but also the borders of the Empire were secured, rebellious populations were pacified and order was maintained. However, the list of tasks performed by the military included also activities such as maintaining supply lines, developing infrastructure, participating in construction projects, including civilian ones, etc. Even after the end of their service, through the granting of land in newly conquered areas, military veterans played an extremely important role in the process of Romanisation. At the same time, in terms of combat, the Roman army was certainly often inferior to other formations of the ancient world, as evidenced by its not at all rare defeats in battles or even military campaigns. What, then, stood behind its overall effectiveness that ensured

immense power for Rome?

The Roman army is widely regarded as one of the most effective and powerful fighting forces in history. It is known primarily for the discipline of its soldiers, organisation and innovation in terms of the used weaponry , as well as tactics. However, its role was not limited to being a 'fighting tool' and should also be seen through the context of Roman society, economics and politics. It is important to trace also other aspects related to it, such as daily life, contacts with civilians, religiosity and many others.

The course aims to familiarise participants with the extremely complex history of the Roman army, the reforms and changes it underwent over the years and its greatest successes and failures. An important aspect will be the human perspective relating to the lives of soldiers, recruitment, their careers and subsequent retirement. The point of reference for these considerations will be written and epigraphic sources, but also documents and other testimonies (e.g. Vindolanda tablets), which often contain important information about life in camp and during military campaigns.

Topics will also include individual specialised units, auxiliary units and the fleet, military tactics, poliorcetics, and military architecture.

During the course, participants will try to identify the most important factors that influenced the overall effectiveness of the Roman army and what constituted its greatest weaknesses.

Austin, N., Rankov, N. 1995. Exploratio. Military and political intelligence in the Roman world from the Second Punic War to the battle of Adrianople.

Ball, W. 2000. Rome in the East. Transformation of an empire. (wybrane rozdziały)

Birley, E. 1988. The Roman Army.

Bishop, M.C. 2012. Handbook to Roman Legionary Fortresses.

Bohec, Y. (ed.) 2015. The Encyclopedia of the Roman Army.

Breeze, D.J. 2011. The Frontiers of the Imperial Rome.

Dixon, K., Southern, P. 1992. The Roman Cavalry. From the First to the Third Century AD.

Erdkamp, P. 2007. A Companion to the Roman Army.

Fields, N. 2009. The Roman Army of the Principate 27 BC-AD 117.

Goldsworthy, A. 2000. Roman Warfare.

Goldwarthy, A., Haynes (eds.) 1999. The Roman Army as a Community. (wybrane rozdziały)

Phang, S.E. 2008. Roman Military Service. Ideologies of Discipline in the Late Republic and Early Principate. (wybrane rozdziały)

Sage, M. 2008. The Republican Roman Army. A Sourcebook.

Speidel, M. 1984. Roman Army Studies. (wybrane rozdziały)

Stallibrass, S., Thomas, R. 2008. Feeding the Roman Army, the Archaeology of Production and Supply in NW Europe.

Webster, G., 1998. The Roman Imperial Army of the First and Second Centuries A.D.

Knowledge and skills:

Upon completion of the course, the student is able to define and explain the basic terms related to the Roman army and the ancient art of warfare. He has an extended knowledge of the organisation of the army and knows the history of its evolution. Has the skills for making comparisons between different military units and can analyse the factors that influenced their effectiveness. Recognises the advantages and disadvantages of using appropriate weaponry and battlefield tactics. Knows and understands methods for analysing and interpreting research problems in archaeology of the Roman army . Is able to formulate research problems, create original concepts, formulate and test hypotheses. Has the ability to conduct scientific polemics.

Social competences:

Is ready to:

- use the knowledge and skills he possesses and is aware of the need to confront it with the opinions of experts;

- evaluate the unique value of archaeological sources and their role in reconstructing the human past;

- critically evaluate the interpretation of archaeological and historical sources and is aware of the multifaceted nature of the interpretation of issues relating to the Roman army;

- use his knowledge of the complex nature of culture and is aware of the need to analyse the various categories of sources for the reconstruction of the human past related mainly to the Roman army.

Graded on the basis of:

- activity in class, preparation and involvement in the discussion of the topics discussed (50% of the final mark)

- the results of the final oral examination (50% of the final mark).

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