ROMAN MILITARY RANKS, DUTIES, AND FORTS HOLD MANY SIMILARITIES TO THE ARMED FORCES OF TODAY.
Military Ranks
A higher-ranking officer gives instructions to soldiers,
much like a centurion
During Roman times, there were different military positions as there are today. The legatus was in charge of entire legions. Centurions would take charge of centuries within a legion. In the modern day, commanders and generals will lead military units and give commands (see picture). Roman legions also had specialty soldiers with unique skills, such as the cavalry. In the modern military, certain soldiers have certain jobs, such as communications, foot soldiers, and cavalry (tanks).
Forts and Duties
Digital creation of a British Roman fortress
Today, the US military has forts and bases stationed in America and in areas of occupation for the purposes of training, rooming, and keeping supplies. In peacetime, these forts are used to monitor nearby areas in case of violence. The Romans also used forts to house soldiers who were not on marches. They too built forts in cities throughout the empire to ensure that riots did not escalate. Most Roman soldiers spent their days on peacetime duties such as building public infrastructure in towns and tending to forts. A modern on-duty soldier not engaged in combat may stay at a fort or communications base, go for more training, or train other soldiers.