The Impressive Training and Recruitment of Rome’s Legions 

I hope you all enjoy this little stray away from my original series on the Legions. Due to the much appreciated interest from your side, I decided to make a smaller series about the way the Legions operated, to make sure we are all on the same page as I continue my main series. I'll be making a couple more of these kinds of videos in the future. As for now, the story of the 14th Legion is next!!

"What's your name, lad?" "Biggus Dickus, Sir." "Get him outfitted, he'll make general one day."

When panic and fear hits, you fall back to your training, which is why they emphasized it so much and why it is paramount for success.

An odd note on roman legionnaires that may also account for the crazy levels of stamina they exhibited in battle was the fact legionnaires in a block formation would be rotated in and out of the front rank at approximately 1 minute of combat so they stay consistently fresh and receive about a 7-minute breather before they were upfront again. This is also an impressive feat of coordination as maintaining a battle line while rotating men between the front and back ranks would have required intense displine.

Every legionarre was also part modern day construction worker. The days before battle, two warring bodies would often camp with sight distance of the other. It was extremely demoralizing for most Roman antagonists to wake, only to find rows of palisade with towers and other entrenchments built overnight, the siege of Alesia being an excellent example.

A sense of humour being a desirable feat for the legion was unexpected for me.

How about a movie showing a guy signing up for the legion, going through boot camp, and eventually getting deployed in the front?

All this just to become a recruit...Triarii, the veterans who made it to old age, must've been some absolute beasts..going through this training, and then surviving through countless battles for several decades..

As a former US Marine, I'm amazed at how similar modern military training is to ancient Roman military training. Not much has changed. In basic training, Marine recruits are first taught close order drill and formation. Then, the next 'phase' begins in which they are taught certain practical survival skills - such as swimming, sowing, first aid training, navigation (using a map and compass), etc. We are also issued our rifles in this 'phase' and taught how to properly operate it (though we are not yet allowed to fire live rounds). The final 'phase' of training was the actual combat training. Getting to *use* all these weapons you were only learning about before (now we got to fire live rounds); learning advanced infantry tactics and maneuvers, conducting combat exercises to practice these techniques, etc. We had to live in the forest pretending we were at war; digging and sleeping in fighting holes, eating nothing but MREs, getting only 1-2 hours of sleep a night, one team of recruits conducting mock patrols while opposing teams conduct mock ambushes, 'shooting' at each other with blank ammunition. The 10-20 mile forced march was also a common thing in Marine training, with each Marine recruit carrying nearly 100 lbs of gear too, just like ancient Roman troops. It's very interesting to see that the modern US Marine Corps follows the same training program and 'curriculum' as ancient Roman military. I guess "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". - 'Phase' 1: The absolute basics. Such as formation, close order drill, physical fitness. - 'Phase' 2: Practical survival skills and basics of equipment/weapons/tools. - 'Phase' 3: Full-fledged combat training. Actually *USING* all the weapons, rather than just learning about them. Actually *DOING* all these infantry tactics and maneuvers, rather than just learning about them.

As an unemployed person I found this Informative.

A sincere sense of humor indicates a man is comfortable in his own skin and not unstable or insecure.

I think that an important part of Roman army training was the contubernium (“tent-together”), which was composed of eight legionaries, who trained together, fought together and (as the name suggests) always shared the same tent. They also could be rewarded or punished together as a unit. I am sure that these small permanent squads really helped Roman unit cohesion.

Their biggest strength was standardization. They could quickly field large groups of legions, train them, equip them, and navigate them throughout the empire. So in Judea, Gaul, Germania, Hispania, Egypt, or Scythia you might have a local rebellion and kill 2-3 locally based legions, take, the standards, and perhaps capture the governor. For many empires this would be back breaking but for Rome they would field, train, and throw 6 legions back at you the next year to kick you in your teeth. The only group that consistently beat rome in the open field for extended periods of time was Hannibal. Even he was eventually weakened and beaten by Rome's endless supply of soldiers.

I can see myself getting successfully kicked out of the program.

Their methods were so good, they're still being taught almost 2000 years later.

You forgot the most important thing about the sling! Back then it had more range than the bows of the period. Also they manufactured metal standardized sling ammunition with a hole in it to cause it to whistle. They were often found with derogative messages etched in them. Kind of like how we write messages on bombs we drop. Great job on the video and hope to see more!

I always liked the "train harder than the real task at hand" mentality. Makes one good at their job, whatever that is.

Q: "How many catapults are attached to your cohort?" A: "5000."

I think you missed the most important reason to be taught to march: synchronized (marching in step) is the only way to move large bodies of men efficiently over distances. If not synchronized, their movement becomes chaotic with constant stopping and starting-basically a slow muddle. Roman legions were known for rapid movement over long distances, a nasty surprise for their enemies.

Hi. So, a Roman mile is slightly longer than a modern mile. I was winded when he said that they marched for 5 hours straight with 60 pounds of gear. When converted that is 22.2 miles in 5 hours, or 4.5 miles an hour with roughly 43.5 pounds of gear. The US army standard training ruck march clocks in at 12 miles in 3 hours, or 4 miles an hour with 69 (nice) pound ruck sacks. Neat!

Slingers hurled lead weights, not stones, though I'm sure they hurled stones in time of necessity. The lead projectiles had standard shapes and weights. They were marked with the identification of their legion. After successful battle they were gathered up and recovered for reuse. They are commonly found archaeological artifacts and have been used to track the movements of legions or detachments from them. There are excellent You Tube programs on how to use a sling and related weapons. They could be very formidible. Consider a volley of low velocity large shotgun slugs as an equivalent. Since their enemies typically had no equivalent missles but only relatively weak archery without compound bows and fired at high trajectories this could be a decisive weapon by breaking up enemy formations and unit cohesion. I certainly wouldn't want to face a volley of well delivered slung lead projectiles.

An interesting fact I learned a while back about the stones or ballistae that Romans used is that they used to carve insults on them. Such as; "This one's going up Pompei's arse!" Similar to the way soldiers sometimes write on bombs in today's military. Literally adding insult to injury.

This guy is great, hardly any historians ever actually describe the training, they are usually just like "the legionnaire's intense training made them very effective." Then move on

Brilliant! This is the stuff I wish we learned in school. Students would be a lot more interested in learning about history if it were thought through human perspective. Great video! Thanks!

They had two-a-days for recruits. And everyone built things and also knew how to tear things down. I think the word 'professional' would describe Roman soldiers and they were many times up against enemies whose training didn't even come close to mastering the military skills of the Romans. Add to this that Rome was a wealthy nation/state and could provide the best of everything their soldiers needed and you have a formula few other nation/states could match.

Back then: Basic reading and writing skills --> Eligible to apply for centurion position Today: Masters degree and PhD in engineering with 15 years of experience --> Eligible to apply for senior vice janitor position at Tesco

wheres the large chin in the desirable feats list

This is very interesting about the selection process. I believe it is important even today for any successful operation. In my Infantry unit, most of the sub-standard's were discharged with in the first year of service.

Man thank you so much for that bit about the slings that the legionaires used. I didn't know that at all and that's badass that you mentioned that.

I read that Napoleon had a great sense of humour and that's probably why his troops would follow him to the ends of the earth. From my army experience the best NCO's were always very funny men that could yell at you and make you laugh at the same time.

You asked for a mere 1 legion of viewers, you got 12+ times that amount. Such is the faith the first citizen Youtubius Algorithmus has placed in you. Excellent video.

This was a great idea for a vid and very well done! Please do more detailed explorations like this!

Thank you so much for the deep dive into some generally forgotten details of the Roman Imperial Army, & just what made them such a force to be reckoned with.

Centurion: "Okay dudes, let's swim!" Legionair: "Kind of nippy today, sir." Centurion: "You can leave your sandals on"

These men were tough dudes, no wonder they conquered Europe, North Africa and the Middle East... great video btw!

One of rare videos I watched from start to finish! Impressive stuff!

Im absolutely LOVING this series man, outstanding work

The logistics fueling all this activity must have been incredible.

Man I would give my life to see ancient Rome at its peak. What it really looked like. It must have been so stunning.

Honestly making their practice weapons twice as heavy is brilliant as you mentioned, its like a runner practicing with weighted vest

This is super interesting!!! Thanks so much for uploading this!

As a former Drill Instructor.... I approve of such training....

Imagine being a barbarian and thinking you've pulled a fast one on ol' Rome then they form a circle and start yelling "legio aeterna victrix."

Good stuff 👍 Excellent presentation 👏 The diligent work shows

Terrific video! I'm fascinated by the specifics of Roman military training.⚔️🏹

Let's hear about the smiths, medics, horse's, cooks etc that fueled this insanity !! Love it

I can see you becoming one of those big history channels. keep with the good work, mate!

Excellent video. I had no idea about the slings that is fascinating. I know most things about Roman military history so it’s truly excellent to find something so fresh as I have never seen that before. Thank you

There is such a Big potential for a series where the main characters go through this process

It's interesting how Vegetius laments that the recruits of his time preferred to go to the auxilia rather than the legions because they had less work to do.

Interestingly the part about "lively eyes" was also a desired feature in men recruited to the Swedish Army in the 1700's actually. They wanted applicants to have "good spirit, the sense of being a good comrade and have the ability to sing tunes" as well. I do not know if these requirements were inspired by the Romans though, or if it was just well understood that these features in men made good soldiers.

Truly love history. Good channel as well. Thoroughly enjoy your content.

That's interesting about the slingshot being highly respected. Cassius Dio talks* about the Balearic islanders being awesome at using slings and repulsing a Carthaginian force using them during the punic wars.

“The discipline of the Romans made them triumph over the tall height of the Gauls, the strength of the Germans, the cunning of the Greeks and over all the other populations of the world" Vegetius, De Re Militari

When I was in the marines, one of my buddies was doing his doctorate in history, 10 of us who had JUST finished marine infantry training and were in pre deployment workouts. Tried to do the Roman legion qualifying March....which was 20 miles in 5 hours while keeping in time with step, in fill ruck with sandals. Yes "studded sole sandals". Legit best shape of our lives, absolute physical specimines.... none of finished hahaha

Great video and I like how you explore some of the less explained stuff like the humour and the recruitment.

Well done, thank you for taking the time..

Come on man you cannot just leave me on a cliffhanger with the river crossing and bridge building

Imagine what a modern day Roman soldier would look like if Rome never fell.

ive watched like 4 of your videos in a row, so good

Those gameplay videos are awesome) It really fits the narrative so cool

I was a Canadian Infanteer for almost 10 years, and a lot of the training we did actually parallels what the roman legions did. obviously modified to modern standards. we did a 6 month training program (3 months basic, 3 months battleschool) and literally the first thing we learn, before breakfast on our first day is how to form up, and walk in formation. Its cool to think that some random roman 2000 years ago went through a similar experience to little ole' me.

Roman history is like crystalmeth one taste and your hooked forever. So much Roman knowlage in my veins I think I OD.

Finally a channel with actual interesting quality content my brain needed this fr fr TY

I just finished reading the art of war by Vegetius, it's amazing and a blessing that such a document survived until today. I highly recommend it, a direct look inside more than 2000 years ago. Makes me feel proud being somewhat descendant of the Roman culture

They weren't just throwing stones with slings, they also made ovoid bullets out of lead. Thanks for the great video!!!

I’m 5’2 but my humor is so great I’m sure I’ll make it. Put me in coach!

Great video. I'm looking forward to your vid on how they handled floods or crossing rivers, hope it comes out soon!

That horse at 5:29 be like: “dafuq why are we swimming couldn’t we just run to the other side”

Damn wish it was a longer video. Really good watch.

As a roman coin collector, Im just SO EXCITED about this channel!

Fantastic video, perfectly narrated!

Thank you for this random suggestion RU-vid ... This was amazing to watch and I subbed due to the awesomeness of the info and visuals matched with great narration and accurate sound effects and of course excellent music

For those who are interested, you didn't always have to be Roman to join it was open to other tribes / races. These guys were called auxiliaries and fought together, they were granted citizenship after completing their military service - around 20 years I think.

One thing to keep in mind is that the minimum height requirements, were, for the day, quite a small percentage of the Roman populus. The tallest of the tall, if you like. Another aspect is of their continued fitness standards during service. In modern day Chester, England, (Castra Deva in Roman times) there is a flight of stairs that were used as an annual fitness test. The soldiers had to run down and up them without 'losing their breath'. As kids on a school trip we all tried it and it wasn't really a problem. My guess would be that the Legionnaires would have been carrying full kit.

Details that are new presented in a interesting format …… Thank You very much .

Very informative! I've often wondered how things were done back then

I’m a Hellenic Army infantry commander, and found your presentation fascinating. Congratulations on an excellent channel - just subscribed. Greetings from Greece! 🇬🇷

4:40 damn, to the unassuming and relatively disorganized tribal warrior groups, the roman cohesion, adaptability, and precise execution on the unit scale must have seemed machine-like.

its really cool that you use Gameplay of Total War for you Videos this gives an extra feeling how they marched etc

I did not know about the use of the sling! Everything was done in order. First traps like burning bales of hay down an incline, then the catapult, then the archers, then the sling, then the pilum and what was left was slain by sword. The enemy were lucky to have bare chest and sword. How could they lose? It is a formula for success!

Man the legion was no joke! That training, tactics, and selection process pure quality at it's inception. It's wild they wound up being defeated by the NCR and some random package delivery person. Lol. In all seriousness though this was great! I'm glad I found this channel.

That training routine was all about mental toughness. A quality that makes for success any where.

I’ve watched this video over 10 times in the last month or two and I can’t seem to stop

Great vid. Thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you

The sling is one of the most underestimated weapons of history and by today's Co-Sims and Strategy Games.

Damn, youtube finally recommending me something that is actually worth the watch and not some 11 year old video recorded with a toaster. Hoping to see more from you, really interesting stuff.

The video is so profound, your English is very beautiful and rich. It was inspiring to watch it.

Great content, did 4 years in the Marines plenty enough couldn't imagine 20 years.

9:07 😂 😂😂 The soldier looking over his shoulder “Hey Bob, got any plans this weekend?” Bob “uh, training and more training - just like you” “Oh yeah”

After watching this I am no longer suprised at how much the Romans conquered in so short a time, it was clearly inevitable. Great video, can't wait to see more!

Marvelous video. Thank you

WOW, outstanding video, very interesting, subscribed!

For anyone who's curious of the game footage, it's Rome II Total war.

A surprise for sure, but a welcome one! Definitely looking forward to the river crossings video now, keep up the good work!

Thank you so much for all your videos! 😊

Thank you! I learned so much from this video

The "constant Improvement" philosophy of the Roman military has been emulated ever since. And remains the standard for modern military to this day.

I didn’t realize there was so much great artwork out there on Roman legionaries. This video was a good showcase and very helpful for visualizing your topics.

Pretty impressive that this channel was able to go back in time and record the Roman soldiers marching