In the year 15 CE, the Roman Empire was flourishing, largely due to the leadership of the emperor. However, this prosperity would not have been possible without the dedication of loyal soldiers like Servius Felix. Servius, who enlisted as a legionary eight years prior at the age of 18, was the son of a poor farmer with limited opportunities. Unlike many of his fellow soldiers, Servius avoided gambling, allowing him to save most of his earnings, including the three gold coins he received upon enlistment. If he survives until retirement, he will be rewarded with several acres of land. He also dreams of marrying a girl from his hometown, but that must wait until he completes his 25 years of service.
Life as a legionary is both dangerous and demanding. On this particular day, Servius’s legion, along with three others, embarked on a “great march” covering 30,000 Roman paces, nearly 36 kilometers. Servius’s armor and weapons, including his gladius, scutum, and two pila, weigh over 20 kilograms, not to mention his backpack, or sarcina, which contains food and tools necessary for camp construction, such as a spade, saw, pickaxe, and basket. Despite his exhaustion, Servius will not get much rest tonight, as he has been assigned the first watch, responsible for guarding the baggage animals and staying vigilant against potential ambushes.
At dawn, Servius shares breakfast with his seven tent companions, who have become like family through shared battles and scars. While Servius hails from Italia, his fellow soldiers come from various parts of the empire, stretching from Syria to Spain, making them all far from home in the northern lands of Germania. The legions, commanded by Emperor Tiberius’s nephew Germanicus, are organized into cohorts and centuries, each led by a centurion. The aquilifer, or eagle-bearer, marches at the head of each legion, carrying its eagle standard, while centurions issue commands, “Dex, sin, dex, sin,” or “Right, left, right, left,” starting with the right foot, as the left is considered unlucky.
Despite the strict discipline, tension lingers among the troops. The previous year, some legions in the area revolted, demanding better pay and shorter service terms. Only the general’s charisma and negotiation skills prevented a full-scale mutiny. Today’s march covers a “just” 30 kilometers, but the marshes and forests of Germania, beyond the empire’s road system, require the men to build causeways and bridges, a task they have recently spent more time on than actual fighting.
Eventually, they reach their destination, a clearing on the outskirts of the Teutoburg Forest, a place Servius knows all too well. Six years earlier, during Emperor Augustus’s reign, Germanic tribes led by Arminius ambushed and annihilated three Roman legions here. The attack, launched from forest cover under torrential rain, blocked their escape and resulted in one of Rome’s most devastating defeats, a loss Augustus never overcame. Servius was among the few survivors and still suffers nightmares of his fallen comrades.
Now, the army returns to honor the dead with full military rites. As Servius assists in this solemn task, he wonders if the bones he handles belonged to someone he once knew. Though he often feels the urge to weep, he perseveres. For Servius, the glory of the Empire means little; his true desire is to retire on a small farm with his future wife, should the gods grant him 17 more years of life.
Imagine you are Servius Felix. Write a diary entry describing a day in your life as a Roman legionary. Include details about your daily routine, the challenges you face, and your thoughts and feelings about your future. This will help you understand the personal experiences of a Roman soldier.
Draw and label the different parts of a Roman legionary’s equipment, such as the gladius, scutum, pila, and sarcina. Research each item to understand its purpose and how it was used in daily life and battle. This activity will help you visualize and appreciate the physical demands on a legionary.
Using a map of ancient Rome, plot the route that Servius Felix might have taken during his “great march” of nearly 36 kilometers. Identify key geographical features and discuss how they would impact the march. This will help you understand the logistical challenges faced by Roman soldiers.
In groups, role-play a day in the life of a Roman legionary. Assign roles such as Servius Felix, his tent companions, and commanding officers. Act out scenes such as setting up camp, sharing meals, and standing watch. This activity will help you empathize with the camaraderie and discipline among soldiers.
Hold a class debate on the pros and cons of life as a Roman legionary. Discuss topics such as the physical demands, the sense of brotherhood, the potential for land and wealth, and the risks involved. This will help you critically analyze the complexities of military life in ancient Rome.
Roman – Relating to the ancient civilization that began in the city of Rome and expanded across Europe. – The Roman Empire was known for its impressive architecture and advanced engineering.
Legionary – A soldier in the ancient Roman army, specifically a member of a legion. – The legionary marched bravely into battle, ready to defend the empire.
Servius – A name often associated with Servius Tullius, a king of ancient Rome known for his reforms. – Servius Tullius is remembered for creating the first census in Rome to count the citizens.
Empire – A large political unit that rules over many territories and peoples, often led by an emperor. – The Roman Empire was one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Britain to Egypt.
Soldiers – People who serve in an army and are trained to fight. – The soldiers of Rome were well-trained and disciplined, making them a formidable force in battle.
Germania – The name used by the Romans to refer to the region inhabited by the Germanic tribes. – Germania was often seen as a wild and untamed land by the Romans.
Battles – Fights between armed forces, often determining the outcome of wars. – The battles fought by the Roman legions were crucial in expanding their territory.
Augustus – The title given to the first Roman emperor, Octavian, who brought peace and prosperity to Rome. – Augustus is credited with establishing the Pax Romana, a long period of peace in the empire.
Dreams – Thoughts, images, or emotions that occur during sleep, often reflecting our hopes or fears. – Many ancient Romans believed that dreams could be messages from the gods.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Learning about history helps us understand how past events shape our present and future.
