Title: Roman Soldiers
Headings: 
Roman Soldiers
Ancient Roman Soldiers

Content: These Samnites preferred a more gorilla type warfare, and after several humiliating defeats of Roman armies the Roman soldiers once again adapted. They devised a looser formation, like the Samnites, and hence gained a tactical mobility that hoplite lines can’t compete with. It is also believed that they developed their heavy javelins, or pila, at this time due to Samnite influence (See Roman Weapons). Late Republican and Early Empire Roman Soldiers
The Roman soldiers never got a lot of rest at this time in history and rapidly on the heels of their mastery of central Italy came wars against Pyrrus (a Greek/Macedonian king), Carthage and Macedonia itself, punctuated by Germanic and Celtic invasions from the North. The hard pressed Romans rose to the occasion, it could be called their finest hour if it didn’t last for another century. In order to survive the Romans had to win battles and they did this with their adaptable Roman soldiers. It is at this time that the classic Roman legionary was created. The Roman soldier was equipped with elements of the foes he had defeated. Great generals like Marius and Caesar perfected both Roman strategy and tactics at this time, while greatly expanding the Roman Empire in general. The Roman soldiers became professional soldiers, not allowed even to marry, they were to be the first mass professional army and they performed in the roll admirably.