The ancient Roman soldiers and the modern soldiers share numerous similarities in different aspects such as use of armory and mobile units among others. However, the modern army enjoys modern developments in technology, which have led to the introduction of sophisticated and complex tools. As compared to the ancient Roman soldiers, modern soldiers operate with highly offensive and protective capabilities, which would marvel an ordinary ancient Roman empire soldier (Sheppard para 5). However, the ancient roman empire was the most famous in the West having conquered in most of their battles especially during the reign of emperor Augustus and Ceaser.
There have been numerous debates in regard to how many of the modern soldiers such as the US Marines would take down a Roman empire legion. The ancient roman empire soldiers used skin layers and hides for protection, which cannot be compared with the modern day protective gears adopted in the modern army. Although the discovery of metal armor facilitated the introduction of bronze helmets, shields and breastplates they cannot be compared with the modern bullet proof vests and helmets. The protective gear caused the soldiers to sweat profusely, but the modern protective gears used by the modern soldiers are manufactured from absorbent fibers, rigid ceramics and metal components (Colman para 7). The helmets used by the ancient roman empire soldiers could also cause blurred vision due to faults in design as compared to the modern helmets.
The ancient Roman empire soldiers were physically fit as they were highly trained and more physically powerful as compared to the modern soldiers. The training of these soldiers comprised of physical fitness and fighting techniques using the conventional weapons such as an arrow and bow. However, the modern day soldiers have the least knowledge of the conventional weapons and training not only involves physical fitness, but also intelligence techniques (Lawrence 154). In addition, the modern day soldiers adopt essential tactics and strategies, which were only known and used by generals in the ancient Roman empire.
However, it is imperative to note that the modern soldiers and the Gleco Roman soldiers share the aspects of highly complicated trainings with clear unit structures and hierarchy of command. In addition, modern day soldiers emphasize on dominating the enemy, ensuring the cohesion of different units and flexibility on the ground, which was a common feature of the Gleco roman soldiers. Although the strategies adopted by modern soldiers, such as US Marines are slightly different from the ancient Roman soldiers in ensuring cohesion, it is a common feature. For example, the ancient Roman soldiers marched in unison with overlapping shields for the protection of the whole troop they were conspicuous and modern soldiers adopt different strategies (Colman para 3). The modern soldiers adopt guerilla style of attacking rather than marching.
However, there are differences in the strategies and tactics adopted by the modern soldiers as compared to the Gleco Roman soldiers. For example, there has been numerous instances when the modern soldiers such as special forces employ a small number of highly trained soldiers in highly risky military operations. This was rare in the ancient Roman soldiers, in which military operations were through employment of a large number of soldiers to intimidate opponents. Therefore, the Gleco Roman soldiers and the modern soldiers share numerous features in common, but there are various differences mainly based on technological innovations.
Works Cited
Colman, Dan. "How Many U.S. Marines Could Bring Down the Roman Empire?" 15 November 2011. 7 October 2013 <http://www.openculture.com/2011/11/how_many_us_marines_could_bring_down_the_roman_empire.html>.
Lawrence, David R. The Complete Soldier: Military Books and Military Culture in Early Stuart England, 1603-1645. London: BRILL, 2009.
Sheppard, Alyson. "Rome, Sweet Rome: Could a Single Marine Unit Destroy the Roman Empire?" 31 October 2011. 7 October 2013 <http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/digital/fact-vs-fiction/rome-sweet-rome-could-a-single-marine-unit-destroy-the-roman-empire>.
