Roman soldiers were justly renowned for their discipline, organization, and skills. Through its military power, the Roman Empire dominated the entire Mediterranean and beyond. Roman soldiers marched hundreds of miles at a time, building a complete camp every night. They were, in the words of American podcaster Dan Carlin, “half soldier, half construction worker.”

Initially, the Roman army consisted of volunteers who enlisted for a specific campaign, after which they returned to their normal lives. However, when the Roman army became permanent and professional, the methods of selection and training were carried out through specific procedures. The selection was quite strict and demanding. Recruits from the countryside were preferred over those from the city, particularly those from the Balkan Peninsula.

A doctor examined each recruit, ensuring they met the required standards. The recruits then underwent a four-month training process. There, their trainers instilled the renowned military discipline, training for the countless miles of marching that would be required, the basic knowledge for setting up a camp, and of course, how to fight. Great emphasis was placed on the correct marching pace and cohesion. The trainees (now called “Discens”-the soldier who was in training to become an immunis, a specialist regular soldier) learned to march with full gear, including all weapons and other equipment, totaling 25-35 kilograms.

The Roman soldiers marched with strict steps to maintain rhythm. Hiking was destined to become their “favorite” activity. During the summer months, the soldiers were expected to be able to march 28-30 kilometers in five hours. This was the “normal pace.” If they were required to move at the “quick pace,” they were expected to cover 35 kilometers. To understand the demands placed on each Roman soldier, the corresponding basic requirement of the USArmy is 20 kilometers in 3 hours, with a similar load. And they did it with sandals and not boots – plus the strict formation.

As Renatus Vegetius Flavius mentioned (“De Re Militari, The Roman Art of War,” 390 A.D.) :

The first thing soldiers must be taught is the military step, which can only be acquired through continuous practice in quick marching and formations. For nothing is more important, whether on the march or in the battle line, than maintaining order with the greatest precision. For troops that march in an irregular and disorderly manner are always at great risk of defeat.

They should march at the same tempo, at the usual military pace, for approximately 32 kilometers in five summer hours¹ and at the quick pace for 38 kilometers in the same time. If they exceed this pace, they are no longer marching but running, which is no longer a sure and steady pace. However, particularly the recruits must be trained in running to attack the enemy with great momentum, to take advantage of any opportunity for a favorable position, and to thwart the enemy’s similar intentions. When sent on reconnaissance, they must be able to march quickly, return to their positions likewise, and more easily face the enemy in a pursuit.

Jumping is another very necessary exercise, so soldiers can cross ditches or other obstacles and heights without effort or difficulty. There is also another great advantage that can come from these exercises during combat. A soldier who charges with his javelin, running and jumping, causes confusion in the eyes of his opponent, fills him with terror, and delivers the fatal blow before the opponent can defend himself.

Other skills included jumping and swimming. Soldiers were expected to climb and jump with ease to maintain their marching rhythm in adverse terrain. Swimming was considered particularly useful when retreating from or pursuing an enemy force. There was usually a river into which a Roman would not hesitate to enter up to a point to chase his opponent.

Additionally, the correct construction of camps was taught. A suitable Roman camp included a trench, ramparts, and a fence. Soldiers were expected to build it fully in five hours (!). This task also served as physical exercise and helped build unit cohesion and bonding. These elements were simply the basis for combat training.

Weapon training, with all the equipment, was conducted twice a day. Combat was at the core of the legionnaires’ training. Marching and building were merely supportive. Infantry battles were practiced against a stake, with a wicker shield and a wooden sword that was twice as heavy as the actual weapons.

The trainees learned to use their shields and to thrust rather than slash for greater lethality. Veterans took on the role of trainer, pointing out gaps in technique. Once the recruits had become capable of facing an opponent, duels against each other began.

1. At the geographical latitude of the Mediterranean, an hour was approximately 45 minutes at the winter solstice and 75 minutes at the summer solstice. ↩︎