Roman Empire
The Roman Empire (Imperium Romanum) was a civilization which ruled over much of Western Eurasia ruled from the Italian City of Roma. Technically the Roman Empire existed from 27BCE to 476CE (1453 if you include the subsequent Byzantine Empire), although the term also is used to informally refer to the preceeding Roman Republic, which existed for some 500 years previously. The Roman Empire was for its time highly advanced and developed; after its collapse, European civilization fell back for centuries technologically.
The Roman Military
The Roman military varied from period to period, as the Romans adjusted their forces and adopted new technologies and strategies. The first Roman armies were armed and fought in a manner similar to that of Greek Hoplites armed with spears, although this gradually gave way to swordsmen in forces that were divided along class lines. In this early period most Roman soldiers were of a certain class able to afford weapons, armor, and food on campaign. The most notable development of the Roman military was the reforms of Gaius Marius in 107 BCE, who professionalized the Roman army into a standing force.
Roman forces after the Marian Reforms were divided into two forces:
- Legions: Recruited from the citizen classes, Legionaries were heavy infantry armed with rectangular shields, swords (Gladius), and javelins (Pilum). Each Legion had at maximum strength 5,240 soldiers. Roman Legions excelled against enemy infantry formations, but were often poorly suited. Each Legion would have a small force of light cavalry attached to it to serve as scouts and to pursue retreating forces. Roman Legions were sub divided into units called centuries (overseen by Centurions) and were lead by officers known as Legates.
- Auxiliaries: Auxiliaries consisted of non-citizen troops recruited from provinces. Often these would fill in gaps that Legionaries lagged in, such as archers and cavalry. To prevent revolt, Auxiliaries were generally stationed well away from their home territory. Completion of a term of service in the auxiliaries usually ended with being granted full citizenship.
At peak strength, the Roman Military had about a force of 500,000 soldiers (approximately 200,000 legionaries and 300,000 auxiliaries) and was by far the largest arm of the Roman Government and where it spent most of its money. In addition to fighting, Military forces would do various odd jobs required by the roman state (building roads and fortifications, working on various public works, enforcing law in the provinces, etc). In the Imperial Period, the Legions would play a major role in imperial politics, installing their Legates as Emperors and deposing Emperors who were short on payment. Towards the latter years, the Roman military became increasingly dependent on unreliable foreign mercenaries for defense.
The Roman Empire in Debates
The Roman Empire comes up quite often in fantasy debates. Roman equipment and tactics are well documented.