![]() ![]() The military was his profession within which he enlisted for the majority of his able-bodied adult life. And as the moniker suggests, the legionary served as a professional soldier within Rome’s named legions of heavy infantry. Later Caesar extended this privilege to the inhabitants of Spain and Gaul. The iconic Roman legionary in Caesar’s day was most always an adult male Roman citizen from the towns and villages within the boundaries of the Italian peninsula. (Image source: WikiMedia Commons) What was a legionary? These triumphs brought by the sharpened gladius of his legionaries enabled Caesar to amass wealth and political capital that he used to bring about reform and change for the betterment of Rome and its people.īut who were these nameless and largely forgotten soldiers upon which the future Roman ruler would build his military success? How did they live, march and fight? What drew them to serve and how did Rome look after its veterans? In our book Caesar’s Great Success: Sustaining the Roman Army on Campaign, we explore their fascinating world. Inspired and enabled by charismatic leadership and operational savvy, Caesar’s legions delivered victory upon victory against his enemies, both foreign and domestic. INHERITING A PROFESSIONAL and standardized military established by statesman Gaius Marius ’ far-reaching military reforms of 107 BC, Julius Caesar was able to expand Rome, consolidate power, and set the stage for the pax Romana of the Imperial era that followed a couple decades after his assassination. (Image source: WikiMedia Commons) “Who were these nameless and largely forgotten soldiers upon which the future Roman ruler would build his military success.”īy Gregory Starace, Alexander Merrow and Agostino von Hassell ![]() But victory for Rome could not have been achieved without the legions: its professional standing army. The decisive encounter secured the Republic’s control over Gaul. ![]() A fanciful depiction of the surrender of Gallic chieftain Vercingetorix to Julius Caesar following the 52 BC Battle of Alesia. ![]()
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