Roman Military Camps and Defense

Cory Davis, Session 1, 2010

The Roman Front

Rome fought EVERYWHERE

Permanent vs. Temporary

Integration of military and civilian life

In Camp-The Frontlines

Temporary camps established before military action

Commonly where other permanent forts don’t exist, or for offensive attacks

Leading legions deployed cover; back legions dug out defenses

Cleared undergrowth, trenches ditch 3 ½ meters wide and 2 ½ meters deep, rampart on other side for defense

Palisade on rampartsTents set up, each legion has a section

The Permanent Fort

Different sizes and layouts depended on units garrisoned

Picked for strategic defense, wood or stone structure

Barracks, Principia, workshops, drill ground (if there was room)

The Barracks

Anywhere from auxiliaries to legionaries

Setup not completely known; anywhere from bunk beds to good old-fashioned sleeping on the ground

Barracks integrated local or mercenary soldiers

Centurions did not stay with soldiers, separate and much better quarters

Walls and Defenses

PalisadesStone

defenseTrenches

and ramparts

TowersSoldiers

The Vicus-Military Support

The vicus was outside the fort, could be temporary (tents) or permanent (structures)

Civilian life, like a small townIf a soldier had money, he spent it hereSoldiers’ familyLocal mercenaries/auxiliaries recruitedFusion of local and Roman custom

Three Examples: Vindolanda

Three Examples: The Siege of Alesia

Three Examples: Hadrian’s Wall