True Size of a Roman Legion (3D) DOCUMENTARY

A history documentary on the True Size of a Roman Legion. This is our first episode in the new True Size series which seeks to bring history to life in 3D using Unreal Engine 5. In this episode we cover the organization of a Roman Legion from the soldier to the Contubernium, the Century, the Cohort, and the Legion. Along the way we not only include the troops and their officers but all the slaves, mules, support, staff, and gear which accompanied them. This makes for a much better understanding of the Roman army structure.

We then put these into context by looking at a Roman army camp, a Roman army on the march, and a Roman army in battle order. This gives the viewer a full 3D history of a legion like never before.

00:00 Intro
01:42 1. Legionary
02:15 2. Contubernium
04:17 3. Century
06:55 4. Cohort
09:20 5. Legion
13:30 6. Command
16:35 7. Total Size
17:35 8. Camp
19:16 9. March
21:14 10. Battle Order

What True Size topics should we explore next?

Credits:
Research = Sophia Ware
Script = Sophia Ware
Narration = Guy Michaels
Artwork = Penta Limited

#history
#Wondershare #Filmora #FilmoraGo

[OliverVIII]

And this kids, is how you conquer the world. Not with the but with logistics. I am still at awe at what they managed to pull off 2000 years ago.

[XibeastmasteriX]

I can’t even begin to imagine how insanely massive battles with 50k+ armies would look like on the battlefield. It would be incredible even today

[Darkserpent]

It's not until you actually see the physical size that you realise how gigantic the legion was. Also telling and showing how long it would take for an entire legion to walk past you was the icing on the cake. It gives you a new perspective as we everyday deal with time and how long something could take.

This was awesome!

[velocitywot]

When you study the legions you cannot help but notice the massive logistics to move such a formation. A lesson still being fumbled recently.

[hitrapperandartistdababy]

This is a perfect example of why I LOVE this channel! You really delve into the more obscure things, things people may think about like “What would a legion look like in size comparison” or “How big an area would they need to build into a camp” Its stuff you can’t really finf any other place other than Invicta!

[gercvn_]

And don't forget that legions often had additional auxiliaries with them, such as archers, slinger, additional Cavallari etc. A legion or even an Roman army on campaign must have been massive. A truly fearful sight on any battlefield.

[buzzz]

I’ve been wondering this exact thing. I’ll be staring at a big field at a park and just wonder how many legions would fit in it and how they would manage the terrain.

[magnemerstrand]

The 3D styled art and models made for this video is just perfect.

[InvictaHistory]

Important corrections for this episode:
16:52 - The legion at parade rest should cover 0.25 km2 not 25 km2
21:50 - The battle formation should have Cohorts 2-10 with 6 centuries each rather than the 8 centuries shown
22:23 - The soldier spacing in battle should be closer to 1m center to center rather than the 1m edge to edge we showed which resulted in exaggerated gaps
22:48 - The resulting frontage of the battle line should be closer to 400m than the 600m stated

We apologize for these inaccuracies and will be tightening up our QA/QC process to improve the True Size episodes moving forwards.

[PortShaftBrake]

Really good to see the "Combat Service Support" aspect of a classical army considered.

So often overlooked in both modern and classical analysis of an army's structure and yet so critical to their success.

[sirdiff]

Loving the use of Unreal Engine to make documentaries like this one, big props! There are still some improvements to be made but it's a great contribution to the video and I can see it becoming a key point in a any historical video!

[yourcasualservantofsauron]

The legionary size is something I've always been curious about. For something who is writing a fantasy nation based around these guys, this is incredibly helpful!

[LiveinReykjavik]

Just thinking about Caesar moving through Gaul in full force is mind-boggling! The collumns of his legions stretching for kilometeres without an end!

[gabrielfernandes]

Awesome video!

The true size of the battle of Ecnomus between Rome and Carthage would be incredible, being one of the largest naval battles in history.

[lubo]

What is often disregarded is that Rome beyond a political system and an inovative military was a demographic giant in antic times

[davidcervantes]

Now it’s easier to understand why Augustus was so traumatized when he lost three veteran legions. Argghh! Varus! Give him back his legions!!!!

[KyleCBowman]

Its genuinely amazing how we now have access to this level of information, presented perfectly with visuals to help us understand and be entertained - thanks to dedicated people like those who run this channel. Thank you very much!

[Ubique]

As a kid I attempted to make a Legion from Airfix figures.

Over the years I got to about 75% full strength even using other figures and products to make up the slaves, slingers, archers and mules and logistics train. Etc.

I still have them sat in boxes in my hobby room which is now made out to 1:300 tank models.

[spyrofrost]

The absolute power disparity between the Roman legions and their contemporary neighbors has always seemed so insane to me. The uniformity, quality, and expertise that none of their opponents could hold a candle to until the Empire tore itself apart from within.

[TheMelbournelad]

This is why Roman ruled! To even us now a legion lined up for battle sound vast and expansive.
Imagine facing one 2000 years ago