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Curiosities of ancient Rome (Army)
The world of ancient Romans abounded in a number of amazing curiosities and information. The source of knowledge about the life of the Romans are mainly works left to us by ancient writers or discoveries. The Romans left behind a lot of strange information and facts that are sometimes hard to believe.
War chariots
War chariots were found in Europe and the Middle East. The Romans described chariot as currus falcatus. The war chariot was equipped with scythes called falces, placed on both sides of the wheel axle and at the drawbar. It should be noted that the Roman army basically did not use chariots for military purposes, at most as a parade or means of transport for couriers.
Scorpion bombs
“Scorpion bombs” were weapons used by the Arsakids defending themselves against the Roman invasion in 198 CE. The clay pots filled with live, poisonous scorpions were thrown out from behind the walls of the defending city of Hatra and affected the morale of the legions badly.
Aquila, Roman legionary eagle
Aquila, a Roman legionary eagle, found in a field near the village of Sălcuta in Romania. The eagle has dimensions: length 168mm, height 82mm, weight 340g. The legs of the animal have not survived to our times, but the eagle probably held lightning in its claws.
Roman fleet did not use slaves
The Roman fleet did not use slaves for service at sea. The boatmen, sailors and naval sailors were ordinary auxiliares who in exchange for a good 26-year military service could expect them to be granted Roman citizenship.
