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The Romans managed to conquer so many countries because they had such a good army. The Emperor used the army to protect Rome and to control the people it had conquered. Some soldiers were away from their families for long periods of time When a soldier had served in the army for 25 years he could become a citizen of Rome. A part of his wages was paid in salt, hence the saying 'being worth your salt' -- (a good worker).
A soldier belonged to a Legion which had about 5,000 or 6,000 men. Each legion was divided into companies of 80 men called Centuries. Each legion had a standard that had badges on it from all the battles the legion had won. There were also other regiments called Auxilia. These soldiers came from the tribes which the Romans had conquered. Their job was to help the legions. They had to fight in front of the Roman soldiers to protect them from attack. So they got killed first. They were divided into groups of about 500 or 1000 men called Cohorts.
The Roman Army was successful because it was better equipped and organised than any army had been before. . As a professional soldier, he spent most of the time training and kept his uniform clean and smart. As well as being first class fighters, the legionaries were good engineers and craftsmen.
Roman soldiers had to be tough. They were expected to march up to 20 miles per day in line, wearing all their armour and carrying their food and tents. Roman soldiers were trained to fight well and to defend themselves. If the enemy shot arrows at them they would use their shields to surround their bodies and protect themselves this was know as 'the turtle'. They fought with short swords, daggers for stabbing and a long spear for throwing. They also carried a shield for protection as well as wearing armour. Watch the video clip of a soldier preparing for battle by clicking on play