How were soldiers chosen in the Roman Republic?

The consuls had the power to recruit troops, but in the last years of the Republic, provincial governors were replacing troops without the approval of the consuls. This led to legionaries loyal to their generals rather than Rome. Before Marius, recruitment was limited to citizens enrolled in the top 5 Roman classes.

Why was the Roman Republic army so successful?

This training combined with having the most advanced equipment at the time made the Roman army really powerful. The Roman army had many weapons and tactics that other armies hadn’t even heard of before! They would use huge catapults which were able to fling rocks over distances of several hundred meters.

Who could become a soldier in Roman Republic?

Only men could be in the Roman Army, no women were allowed. There were two main types of Roman soldiers: legionaries and auxiliaries. The legionaries were the elite (very best) soldiers. A legionary had to be over 17 years old and a Roman citizen.

Who led the Roman army?

The commanding position of the army was given to the consuls, “who were charged both singly and jointly to take care to preserve the Republic from danger”. The term legion is derived from the Latin word legio; which ultimately means draft or levy. At first there were only four Roman legions.

Why was the Roman army not allowed in Rome?

Roman law specified that only the elected magistrates (consuls and praetors) could hold imperium within Italy. Any promagistrate who entered Italy at the head of his troops forfeited his imperium and was therefore no longer legally allowed to command troops.

When did the Roman army recruit soldiers?

Roman legionaries were recruited from Roman citizens under age 45. They were first predominantly made up of recruits from Roman Italy, but more were recruited from the provinces as time went on.

Did the Roman Republic have a good army?

The ancient Roman Republic was neither technologically nor tactically superior to its foes, and its army was really only a citizen militia. However, unusual military strategies, along with sheer determination, enabled Rome to win many battles, and eventually victory, over Greece.

How was the Roman Republic military used?

Roman military units of the period were largely homogeneous and highly regulated. The army consisted of units of citizen infantry known as legions (Latin: legio) as well as non-legionary allied troops known as “auxiliary. The latter were most commonly called upon to provide light infantry or cavalry support.

Why did the Roman republic fall?

Economic problems, government corruption, crime and private armies, and the rise of Julius Caesar as emperor all led to its eventual fall in 27 BCE. Rome’s continued expansion resulted in money and revenue for the Republic.