72-AN-2008 ROMAN SHIELD WALL AUXILIARY INFANTRY SWORD

Auxilia (sometimes: auxiliares) are Roman military units (foot and cavalry) made up of non-Roman soldiers that assisted the legions of the Roman Empire in carrying out their military tasks. It is assumed that auxilia were first formed at the beginning of the Empire by Octavian Augustus after 30 BC. These troops originated from the provinces and most often served in those areas where they were recruited. It is worth adding that, like the Roman legions of the Empire, they were composed only of volunteers and were in fact a fully professional army. Generally, it can be assumed that auxilia were divided into three main types: cavalry units, foot units mostly composed of light infantry, and mixed units performing reconnaissance, reconnaissance and communication tasks. It is worth adding that after completing his military service, the auxilliary soldier received Roman citizenship. Undoubtedly, the role of these units grew during the Empire and it can be assumed that in the 1st century AD. the number of soldiers serving in auxilliach equaled the number of soldiers from the legions, while already at the beginning of the 2nd century AD, it is assumed that the legions numbered about 150,000. soldiers, while auxilia - about 220 thousand. people.