Lecture 5: Engineering Under Roman Empire Flashcards
(42 cards)
When was Rome found?
- It was found in 735 BC by Romulus.
- Roman Kingdom (753–510 BC): Ended when Tarquinius Superbus was exiled in 510 BC
- Roman Republic (510–44 BC): Ended when Julius Caesar came to power in 44 BC
- Roman Empire (44–500 AD (west), and 1453 (East)): Ended when Constantinople was taken in 1453 AD
What is Polybius’s view on the Romans?
He witnesses the rise of the Roman Empire, in his own words, to be a “Greek”, an individual must achieve the highest form of a human being. Otherwise, the individual will become barbaric and primitive.
In this case, he views Roman and primitive beings that captured the Greeks through their military operations.
What is the phalanx (?? - 300 BC)?
Composed of 300 men that made a formation by utilizing long spears while using the shield to block direct attacks.
What is the Roman 3 line system?
Compose of “4” Lines that equivalent 4200 men, 4 lines = 1 legion.
What is the Velites?
1200 young Roman soldiers are carrying large shields to block range weapons.
What is the Hastati?
They are the first line of the Roman 3 lines that is composed of 1200 men. Typically, carry large shield and handles the first assault of enemies.
What is the Principe?
They are the second line of the Roman 3 lines that is composed of 1200 men. Typically, strong and tall individuals with the largest experience than the Hastati.
What is the Tiarii?
They are the last line of the Roman 3 line that is compose of 600 men. Old/veterans with full equipment at their full stamina.
How did the Romans get troops?
Romans have to gain alliances to obtain troops
What happens in 107 BC?
Before 107 BC, Rome would only recruit soldiers if they are privileged and wealthy. After 107 BC, it was no longer restricted to the wealthy and privileged, but instead offer landless/poor to have a career.
What was the reward for joining the Roman Legion after 107 BC?
The soldiers would be rewarded a piece of land, if they survived more than 25 years. This is known as Marius Reform.
What are the flaws in the Marius Reform?
The Marius Reform will eventually hold its end of the bargain, which introduces problematic social control, as some soldiers do not like to have land in a cold region such as Britain.
What is Castra?
It’s stone fort (winter fort) that educated engineers.
What does the Castra demonstrate?
The Roman’s obsession for standardization and engineers.
What is the impact of Castra?
It influence the medieval age as it created castles, but most importantly, the fort is always standardized meaning that they always have the same outcome of production. A good analogy to think is a small city.
What does a Castra always require?
A running water, both public/private washrooms, and had heating systems
What is the Vindolonda Letter (C. 97 - 103 AD)
- A way to communicate among the Roman society which introduces the mailing system
- Demonstrate the social life in the social hierarchy as a positive outlook
- Takes place at the edge of the Roman Empire, such as Hadrian’s hill.
What does the Vindolonda Letter have to offer in modern society?
It just shows that during the Roman Empire, the civilization is both literate, social, and women had more right.
What is the use of roads?
1.Army transportation
- Social Control - to make idling soldiers do work and swiftly move the soldiers before a rebellion occurs.
How does Roman Engineers design the road?
Used Groma to obtain a right angle, grid plan.
What is the process of building the road?
- Building a Fossa (1.5 m deep trench)
- Pavimentum (compacted sand or dry earth)
- Statument (Crushed Rocks)
- Rudus (Cemented large gravel)
- Nucleus (cemented sand and small gravel)
- Summum dorsum (Large stone slabs, road surface)
- Parallel drainage ditch
How do they support these roads?
Infrastructures such as inns, hotels, and changing stations
What is the interval for every milestone?
1.5 km
What is the Milliarium Auream?
A golden Milestone at the centre of Rome
