Why Rome Won Many Early Battles
Rome won a lot of its early battles for several important reasons:
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Well-Trained Soldiers:
- Roman legions had between 4,500 and 5,000 soldiers.
- This large group made it easier for them to work together during fights.
- The soldiers practiced a lot. They learned to follow rules and work as a team.
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Flexible Tactics:
- Roman leaders used different formations in battle.
- One such formation was called the manipulare, which mixed strength and the ability to adapt.
- Being able to change their approach helped them handle different strategies from their enemies.
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Strong Engineering and Support:
- The Romans built many roads.
- These roads allowed their troops to move quickly across Italy and other areas.
- They also created reliable supply routes, so their soldiers had everything they needed during battles.
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Working with Allies:
- Rome often teamed up with local tribes.
- This gave them not just more soldiers but also helpful local knowledge.
- By the late 3rd century BCE, Rome controlled about 500,000 square miles, mostly thanks to these partnerships.
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Aggressive Strategies:
- Romans liked to take charge in battles.
- They often attacked first and used smart tactics to capture important cities and land.
These factors helped Rome become a powerful force in its early days!