Roman Empire (Magill’s Guide to Military History)  Article
abstract: Military significance: The Roman Empire developed a
sophisticated military system while expanding its holdings
around the Mediterranean Sea and in Britain.  Beginning in the
second century b.c.e., the Roman republic fell sway to military
dictators, the most important of whom was Julius Caesar (ruled
46-44 b.c.e.). The emergence of the dictators altered the
character of the Roman army. Originally the legions had been
manned by small farmers who fought for the notion of the
republic. However, when Octavian became Augustus, Rome’s first
emperor, in 27 b.c.e., all hope of restoring the old republic
ended. By this time, the Roman soldier often owned no land and
fought primarily for himself and his commander, who could give
him land, money, and a good position if he lived out his long
service. As the Roman Empire grew, the legions came to defend a
frontier that stretched thousands of miles—a daunting challenge
that eventually overtaxed both the Ro