“E” For Effort, Roman Mobilization During the Second Punic War

The personality of Hannibal so dominates the Second Punic War (218-202BC) that the Roman victory in this titanic struggle is often overlooked. One reason for that victory was the prodigious effort made by the Republic to maintain strong armies in the field at whatever cost. As a result, despite repeated devastating losses and blows - Lake Trasimanus, Cannae, and others - the Romans never lost heart, tapping the enormous resources and energies of the Republic to eventually attain a nearly total victory.

It is estimated that in the course of the long war, nearly 100% of eligible male Roman citizens, served at some time or other. For many periods as much as half of the eligible men were under arms. Out of a pool of available male citizens which never exceeded about 340,000, fully 120,000 died in the war, by one estimate, as many as 80,000 of them as a result of cambat.

Altogether, some 55 legions were raised during the war. This figure includes four legions raised from the discharged veterans of the 30 legions that were disbanded in the course of the conflict, plus four more from the remnants of the 15 that were destroyed in combat, and the two composed of slaves who volunteered in exchange for eventual freedom. Although the average term of enlistment for the 55 legions that srved was about five years, several were under arms for much longer periods.

Legionary Service-(218-202BC)

Years (under arms)------Legions
> 15 -------2
> 11 -------2
> 10 -------1
> 8 -------11
> 7 -------2
> 6 -------5
> 5 -------6
> 4 -------4
> 3 -------7
> 2 -------10
> 1 -------5

The two legions which remained under arms for 15 years were composed of the survivors of the disaster at Cannae in 216BC, when four legions were destroyed, two of which had been recruited in 218, and two in 217. Thus, upon their discharge in 201BC, a year after the end of the war, some of the veterans of the two legions cannaneces had been in service for more than 18 years.



Reference:

Al Nofi (CIC), “E” For Effort, Roman Mobilization During the Second Punic War.” (ScrivenersMess@yahoogroups.com), http://www.StrategyPage.com/CIC/docs/CIC001b.asp

Respectfully Submitted,

Marcus Audens

Roman Infantryman, Triarus

 

A heavily armed Roman Infantryman or "Triarus" holds a javelin, while a more lightly armed "Rorarius," or skirmisher flings a stone or lead bullet at the enemy. (4th Century BC).

Samnite Warriors

 

This group of Samnite Warriors is overlooking the infamous defeat and surrender of the Roman Army at the Apennine Mountain Pass at Caudine Forks in 321 BC. The Roman Army under the Consuls Spurius Postumius and Titus Veturius Calvinus was forced to surrender to the Samnite General Gaius Pontius and agree to a set of very, for the Romans, disastrous settlements for Roman arrogance and pride as well as the return of all previously captured lands and a peace treaty between the two countries.

Punishment

 

Unfortunate Samnite prisoners being flogged before a Roman tribunal at Torquinia (a Samnite City). in 311 BC. Obviously, those bodies which lie on the ground minus their heads are those who the Romans felt that they could no longer deal with or trust with any assurance.

Roman Warriors, 4th Century BC

 

Both warriors pictured are Roman Cavalrymen, one with a flag, and one with a light shield and spear.

"Greek Fire" #2

 

"Greek Fire" being used in a fleet action.

Greek Fire

 

Use of "Greek Fire" at sea.