by Gary Gagne

Created on: December 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 05, 2009

I have often asked myself this question and I would be glad to share my thoughts with you. Before the emergence of Rome, the armies of Alexander the Great used formations of the classical Greek phalanx. From behind a wall of shields the Macedonians used pikes or "sarissa" ,which were longer than the classical Greek "dory". These formations were powerful and able to steamroll almost anything in front of them. As was rediscovered over and over againm throughout history, a pikemen was one of the few ways a footsoldier could bring down mounted cavalry. Alexander was able to carve out an empire three or four times the size of the Roman Empire. The Roman "gladius" or sword was, at first, the design of the Greek short sword. Later on, the Romans adapted a Spanish sword that they felt was good for both cutting and stabbing. Romans lined up in a variety of formations which changed based on the situation they were facing. Using their large shields called "scutum" and small Spanish swords designed for sticking the opposition. Their javilins or "pila" were relatively small, had wooden handles and were iron from the center to the tip. This javilin was designed to be thrown once, was barrbed at the tip and the shaft easily bent on impact, so it could not be thrown back. The use of calvary was limited in to support of the footsoldier. The superiority of large numbers of light cavalry was demonstrated against European forces over and over again, throughout time, as nomad armies swept off the Russian stepps and into the heart of Western civilization.

The Roman soldier was lightly armored but was better armored than most of his opposition. But more than weapons and armor the Roman army was highly organized, the soldier was highly trained and was, in fact, the first truly professional soldier. These men were unflappable in the in the face of overwhelming odds and unbelievable dangers. They carried on their work, calmly and without apparent thought of panic or fear, even while in the face of death. In addition, the Romans were very practical people and were amazing engineers. Whether building ramparts, forts, bridges, digging ditches, or simply marching into battle they were more skilled, imaginative, apparently tireless as they moved and worked faster than foot solider in the world. Due to their artillary design, and without the use of gunpowder, the Romans were able to put up flaming barrages the likes of which were not seen again until World War I. With a good general in charge

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