History Extra podcast Roman warfare: everything you wanted to know
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Jul 5, 2025 Adrian Goldsworthy, a historian and author specializing in ancient Roman military history, dives into fascinating insights about Roman warfare. He answers intriguing questions like the truth behind the iconic red uniforms, the usage of the tortoise formation, and the logistics of maintaining command over vast armies. Goldsworthy explores the interplay between military and society, the role of naval forces, and innovations in tactics and weaponry. Listeners will also discover modern military lessons drawn from the remarkable strategies of the ancient Romans.
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War Integral to Roman Society
- Warfare was deeply ingrained in Roman society and culture as a constant presence.
- The Romans saw war as a tool to bring order and respect, shaping their identity and politics.
Legions Were Professional and Diverse
- Roman legions evolved from local citizen militias to long-term professional soldiers.
- By the Empire's height, most legionaries were non-Italians but Roman citizens by legal status.
Army Roles Offered Social Mobility
- The Roman army offered graded roles and ranks, enabling some social mobility.
- Centurions sometimes rose from common soldiers but often came from local aristocracies.