Legionary and Auxiliary Roman Soldiers

The Roman army was the main source of power and strength for the Roman Empire. They conquered new lands, controlled conquered people and protected Roman citizens. Part of the reason for their success was their strict discipline. Every soldier knew exactly what they needed to do, even in the thick of battle.

There were two main types of Roman soldiers, Legionaries and Auxiliaries. Legionaries were an elite force of Roman citizens (although sometimes non-citizens could join if they were freemen) mostly from Italy, Spain and Gaul. Auxiliaries were not Roman citizens. They came from countries conquered by Rome.