In this image we see the Roman Army engaged in a battle (to the left). As the heavy infantry engage the Dacians the Emperor “interviews” a prisoner held before him by an auxiliary soldier. The legion was for the battle winning action whilst the role of the auxiliary was to enable them to win. Behind the emperor are the signum the standard and the cultic musicians.
What is especially exciting is the mounted catapulta in the background. Mounted on a cart this Scorpion is a dart throwing artillery weapon that could be quickly and easily moved over the battlefield supporting the role of the infantry.
The success of the Roman Army lies not only in the fantastic equipment and training of the legion but in the backup it received from the rest of the army. In modern terms this can best be described as the “warm fuzzy” feeling that the British Army tries to inspire. The idea that the individual soldier is not alone and everyone else has his back. Consider this, if you had this feeling how could you not conquer the world?
Historytalker 