The Toughest Fighters of Antiquity: Training in the Roman Army | ZDFinfo Documentary

Roman legionaries, fascinating figures of antiquity. They embody the power and glory of the Roman Empire. Their combat skills make them legendary. Who are the men behind the legend? Archaeologists are taking surprising paths in reconstructing their history. This letter offers insight into the lives of Roman soldiers. Scientists use modern technology to trace the daily lives of legionaries [Music] and uncover new facets [Music]. What is a young Roman volunteer thinking about before he is enlisted? [Music] Adventure and [Applause] [Music] battles. Being a legionary means high prestige and a secure income. For this, the candidate must serve the empire for 20 to 25 years and possibly risk his life. Around 200 AD, however, the risk of dying in combat is lower than before. The Roman Empire has reached its greatest extent and is experiencing a period of internal stability, called the Pax Romana [Music]. Therefore, legionaries must secure the outer borders. The empire has border fortifications about 7,500 km long [Music]. The volunteers underwent a series of tests that led to the candidate, the tiro, rising from recruit to soldier, miles. The enlistment was called the Probazio. Both physical and moral abilities were tested. The recruit was assigned to a unit to definitively prove his fitness for service. He practiced handling weapons with wooden swords and shields made of wicker. Half-trained, battle-hardened legionaries train the recruits in handling weapons. After basic training, a miles can be stationed anywhere in the empire. To guard the borders or for the security of large garrison towns. [Music] The lives of legionaries are exemplified in two Roman outposts. In Lugdunum in Gaul, modern-day Lyon, and in the fort of Vindolanda in Britain. [Music] Vindolanda is one of the many garrison towns on Hadrian's Wall, the northernmost border of the Roman [Music] Empire. The construction of Hadrian's Wall began in 122 AD.