Auxiliary

Definition

In the context of the Roman Army, an auxiliary refers to non-citizen troops who were recruited from the provinces to support the Roman legions. These soldiers played a crucial role in expanding and maintaining the Roman Empire, providing essential military support through their local knowledge and specialized skills.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Auxiliaries were typically organized into units called cohorts, which varied in size but were generally smaller than legions.
2. These troops often specialized in certain combat roles, such as archers, cavalry, or light infantry, enhancing the versatility of the Roman military.
3. Auxiliaries could earn Roman citizenship after completing a set term of service, which incentivized recruitment from diverse populations.
4. The use of auxiliaries allowed Rome to field larger armies without relying solely on citizen soldiers, who were limited in number.
5. Auxiliary forces participated in many key battles and campaigns throughout the empire, proving instrumental in both offensive and defensive operations.

Review Questions

• How did auxiliaries complement the Roman legions in military campaigns?
  • Auxiliaries complemented the Roman legions by providing specialized skills and local knowledge that enhanced military effectiveness. While legions were primarily made up of citizen soldiers trained for heavy infantry combat, auxiliaries included experts like archers and cavalry, who could adapt to different combat scenarios. This combination allowed the Roman army to execute diverse tactics and effectively respond to various threats during military campaigns.
• Discuss the significance of auxiliaries in terms of their contribution to the expansion of the Roman Empire.
  • Auxiliaries were significant for the expansion of the Roman Empire because they enabled Rome to project military power across vast territories without over-relying on citizen soldiers. By recruiting local populations as auxiliaries, Rome could rapidly mobilize troops familiar with the terrain and regional dynamics. This not only facilitated successful conquests but also helped maintain control over newly acquired regions by fostering loyalty among local populations through promises of citizenship after service.
• Evaluate how the inclusion of auxiliary forces impacted the social and political dynamics within the provinces of the Roman Empire.
  • The inclusion of auxiliary forces significantly impacted social and political dynamics within the provinces by integrating diverse ethnic groups into the Roman military framework. This integration often led to improved relations between Romans and provincial populations, as auxiliaries who gained citizenship could rise in social status and influence. However, it also created complexities, such as tensions arising from ethnic differences and local loyalties conflicting with allegiance to Rome, which could lead to unrest if not managed properly.

Related terms

Legionary: A citizen soldier who served in the Roman legions, which were the core fighting units of the Roman army.

Cohort: A tactical unit within the Roman legion consisting of around 480 soldiers, made up of several centuries.

Veteran: A former soldier who had completed their service in the Roman army, often granted land or benefits for their service.