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TEACHERS<br />
N OTE<br />
Roman Legions – Weapons<br />
The ideas for some weapons were copied from Greek technology and then the Romans made<br />
improvements. A Greek writer called Polybius wrote, ‘As soon as they saw Greek weapons the<br />
Romans began to copy them. This is one of their strong points’.<br />
The Onager<br />
This was a giant catapult used to hurl boulders or burning materials. Large boulders, as much as 50 kg in<br />
weight, could be thrown up to 500 metres. It is believed that the onager, a wild ass, gave its name to the<br />
catapult because they both had the same rapid kicking action.<br />
The Ballista<br />
This was also a siege weapon which could fire arrows or metal bolts. In the first century AD a type of ballista<br />
was invented which would fire a succession of arrows, a similar idea to repeating weapons used in modern<br />
warfare. The ballista, in effect, was a large stationary crossbow which could fire arrows 300 metres. A weapon<br />
like the ballista can be seen on Trajan’s column in <strong>Rome</strong>. It was often mounted on a cart to make it more<br />
mobile.<br />
Siege Tower<br />
The siege tower was built taller than the walls of the city under siege. It could be constructed out of the reach<br />
of enemy weapons and then wheeled forward, where it was very effective in breaching defensive walls.<br />
Battering Ram (an Aries)<br />
The wooden roof of the ram was also covered with leather to protect the attackers from missiles. This weapon<br />
was used successfully by the Assyrians and Alexander the Great. It was still being used in the 1400s, when it<br />
was replaced by the siege cannon, which was more effective at breaking down walls and gates.<br />
The Trireme<br />
The vessel was a common warship in Mediterranean countries. The trireme had three banks of oars and was<br />
faster than the quinquereme. It was about 35 metres long and 5.5 metres wide. A metal-tipped ram at the bow<br />
pierced enemy ships at the waterline. The trireme carried crew, archers, soldiers, officers and, most of all,<br />
oarsmen. Some used grappling irons to pull ships alongside so soldiers could lower a bridge and board the<br />
enemy vessel. The trireme was also used as a trading ship to carry goods to <strong>Rome</strong> from around the Empire.<br />
Viewing Sample<br />
– 20 – <strong>Ancient</strong> <strong>Rome</strong> Prim-Ed Publishing www.prim-ed.com
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