The units called legions formed the core of the Roman army. During the first three centuries of the empire the army contained no more than 25 to 34 legions. Each of these units consisted of about 5000 to 6000 men recruited among the citizen body. "The legion was subdivided into ten regiments know as cohorts and these cohorts were grouped again into centuries"(Mills 418). A centurion who was appointed by the emperor commanded each century. Although the soldiers of the legion were Roman citizens, this did not mean that they were born in Rome. Wit

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h the rise of population through the conquered territories provincials quickly became the most important source of new recruits for the auxilia. Roman legionary soldiers generally enlisted for a term of twenty years and on the date of discharge legionaries were given 3,000 Denarii in addition to land for retirement. Most discharged legionaries regularly settled in colonies throughout the empire.

The tents were set up in perfectly straight lines crossing each other at right angles. The General's quarters were in the center, with a platform which he could address the troops, and an open space in front for soldiers to forum near it. Every part of the legion had its own place and each knew exactly where to set up their tents. "These camps were not only speedily laid out, but when the trumpet cried, they could be broken up at a moments notice" (Mills 419).

The legions were miniature armies that contained within its rank troops "trained and equipped to perform all kinds of different duties both on and off the battlefield" (Tingay 312). Although the vast majority of soldiers served as heavy infantry, other legions fought as cavalry, archers or light infantry. Other specialized troops operated artillery consisting of "torsion guns"(Nardo 263). However the troops were not solely prepared for combat. Legionaries regularly served as combat engineers constructing forts, roads, and bridges. Soldiers trained as surveyors, engineers and architects ensured that the legion needed little outside help for its building requirements.

The majority of the praetorians fought as heavy infantry while others acted as archers while in campaigns that involved the emperor. Other troops served as bodyguards to the emperor and were known as equites praetorians. At all times there was a praetorian cohort present in the city of Rome that guarded the Imperial palace. These praetorians where known as cohort togata because they were not allowed to wear full armor and equipment and therefor dressed in a toga, "but kept their swords in hand" (Goodenough158).

For policing the coast of Italy and adjacent seas, "a permanent fleet was formed by Augustus with stations at Ravenna and Misenum" (Mills 263). The main function of the fleet was to combat piracy and to support the armed services. The types of ships used by the fleet were both oared warships for battle and sailing crafts that were used mostly for logistical support. The vessels of the Roman navy were manned

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