The Roman army in the era of Caesar

For most people, the concepts of "Roman army" and "Caesar" are almost synonymous. True, the word "Caesar", as a rule, is associated not so much with one of the titles of the rulers of Rome as with the famous commander Gai Julius Caesar. And this is quite natural, because it was during his time that the Roman army became a professional military organization (mid-1st century BC).

The army of the Roman Empire consisted of legions. The number of legions of Caesar ranged from 3 to 4,5 thousand people. Everyone had his own cavalry. Caesar used the German and Gallic cavalry, in battle, using a joint battle of light infantry and cavalry.

It was during his reign that the name "ala", which used to designate the allied legion, was applied to cavalry units. In addition, the Legion included 55 ballisticists, who threw heavy arrows, and 10 catapults intended for throwing stones. The "artillery park" of the Roman legions also grew stronger. The legion's wagon drove camp supplies, siege equipment and consisted of five hundred mules.

The titles in the Roman army of the time of Caesar remained the same, but in the posts there were some changes. So, 6 legions commanded the legion, but with Caesar this post lost some of its former importance. So, if formerly it was occupied by former consuls, now the tribune could be a young man who expected to enter the Senate or just wanted to try himself in the military field. It is also worth noting that the lifetime of Roman officers was unlimited.

Above the stands were prefects - the highest officials of the Roman army. In the legion, they could command the cavalry and the camp. The prefects occupied their office one by one, and were appointed by the commander personally. The highest legion position belonged to the legate. Legates were a group of experienced soldiers. They were the closest assistants to the commander-in-chief. Caesar more than once instructed his trusted legates to command even several legions. Although in most cases they were inextricably linked to a certain legion. The majority of the Legion's command staff were centurions, commanders of the centurions. The six centurions of each legion had the opportunity to take part in the military council.

The Roman army of the time of Caesar had the commander's headquarters. He became a training school for many military leaders. As a rule, such a staff consisted of tribunes, legates and prefects. Also included were young volunteers who acted as adjutants. It is worth remembering about the personal protection of the commander, better known as the Praetorian cohort.

It was the Roman army that helped Caesar achieve almost unlimited power. Most of the warriors worshiped their commander. He achieved this in ways that are old in the world: persuasion, intimidation, promises, strict punishments and, of course, generous gifts. For example, Caesar doubled the board legions, and in some cases even rewarded each warrior with one slave from the booty. This took place after the suppression of the Vercigetorix revolt. The researchers note that everything was enriching with Caesar: from himself to the last legionary.