Rome

• How many months of basic training did a solidier undergo before being enrolled in a unit?

  Four months.
• What was a core part of training and why?

  A core part of the training was marching drills. It would be important to be able to march long distances with a heavy pack when on campaign, so all soldiers had to be fit enough to march 20 miles in 5 hours with a full pack.
• How would legionary soldiers improve their fitness?

  They would also improve their fitness by swimming, running, jumping and riding horses. All but swimming would be done whilst carrying heavy packs.
• What would Roman soldiers use a scarecrow for?

  Weapons training involved fighting practice against a sort of scarecrow. The soldiers used dummy weapons: a very heavy wicker shield and a very heavy wooden sword meant nobody would be injured, and strength would be built up. They would also practice throwing a javelin at the scarecrow, to prepare them to use their pilum. They would also practice throwing stones and using slingshots.
• What were some non-fighting skills soldiers learnt how to do?

  Recruits would also learn to build a camp, so that the legion could rest for the night in safety when on campaign, and to fell trees and dig ditches for building new roads and forts.
• Who oversaw daily life?

  Daily life would be overseen by the centurion in charge of that soldier. Centurions were experienced soldiers who led by example and were responsible for enforcing discipline in the soldiers.
• What were examples of punishments for breaking military oath?

  • Fines or reduction of their food ration • Flogging in front of their century or their legion • Demotion or being given extra duties to complete • Execution
• What was decimation?

  Decimation was the harshest punishment, only normally used if the legion attempted to mutiny or displayed unacceptable cowardice. The group to be punished by decimation were divided into groups of 10 men, and then draw lots. One man would lose, and he would be beaten to death by the other nine.