FEATURE · Torch:U.S. · Summer 2018
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Members of Legion XX, a Roman military reenactment group, pose with more attendees at the 2017 NJCL convention. Photo: Dennis Webb.
Afternoons: All new recruits were required to train twice a day. Once soldiers became more experienced, however, their mandate decreased to only one bout of training per day. Training could encompass marching drills, weapons sparring, javelin throwing, or some other strenuous exercise.
If the legion were on the march, though, soldiers put their training to use. Their afternoons could have included clearing paths for
marching, creating roads, or building bridges over rivers with dangerous currents.
Evenings: On marching days, after marching 20 miles that day in heavy armor, a legionnaire’s work was still not done! Once they arrived at a new location, the men were ordered to build a new camp. Their work included pitching tents, digging holes, and driving stakes into the ground around the perimeter to create a fort-like site. Only after the campsite was
finished were soldiers allowed to take time for themselves, partaking in activities such as socializing or cooking dinner. On a non-marching day, evenings were a bit more relaxed for the soldiers. After completing their duties, they might play board games, gamble, or visit the baths before going to bed.