"The classic heavy infantry, with good armour and exceptional morale."
The symbol of Roman military might and imperialism, the Legionary is synonymous with Rome, and embodies its strength.
Overview[]
A direct upgrade to the Hastati and Principes of old, Legionaries replace both maniples as Rome's frontline infantry once the "Manipular Organisation" technology is researched. With heavy armour, excellent morale, and good melee attack power, the Legionary is a versatile unit, capable of handling a variety of different situations.
History[]
Before Gaius Marius, the list of requirements to become a Roman soldier were somewhat limited; all members had to be citizens of Rome, and of the fifth census class. Soldiers had to supply their own armaments, and own a total of 3,500 or more sesterces in property.
Normally, when Rome faced outside threats, the two consuls would have to recruit their forces on their own, from the volunteer citizenry or Rome. Politicians were just as likely to be found leading armies as trained Generals, often resulting in horrid defeats more capable men could have turned into victory. When Gaius Marius, a junior consul, and former Legate, was tasked with winning the war against Numidia in 107 BCE, the citizenry he would normally have recruited from was found lacking, due to previous loss of life in other wars. Instead, he found a different pool of manpower to recruit from; those without property to their name.
Marius rose his army with speed never seen in Rome before, supplying the poorer citizenry with weapons and armour, and employed them as the first professional soldiers of Rome, and its first standing army, training and preparing for war all year.
Marius' new Legions were organized into units of around 4,800 soldiers, not including a variety of support units not used in combat. Divided into 10 cohorts of 480 men, and 6 centurae of 80, the Marian Legions were a fit, professional fighting force, negating the old practice of rapid recruitment and response.
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