Saturday, 24 October 2009

• Ancient Roman Soldiers in Rome, Italy

  In Rome, I was walking on the street, someone walked near to me and suddenly held my hand. I was wowed and perplexed. I leered at him. He was a young man dressed up like an Ancient Roman soldier.
  

  "Can I take a photo with a pretty lady like you?" He asked benevolently. I look at him bewilderingly without uttering a word.

  "But you have to pay me 4 Euro." He continued.
  

  "Oh, that's cheap! Because if you want to take picture with me, you will have to pay me at least 10 Euro." I said. He was stunned and looked at me with a pair of big round eyes. Then, we laughed together.

  

   

  Men who dressed up like Ancient Roman soldiers walked around Rome especially nearby the tourist spots. They catered the photo taking service for the tourists. You absolutely have to pay for it
  

  " In order to show that I'm a nice guy, I will take picture with your boy friend for free." he said. As a result, I paid 4 Euro  for both Lexson and I.

   

  In Roman history, Roman soldiers were very strong and tough, they had to march over 20 miles a day with heavy things to carry. They had to carry equipment such as tents, food, cooking pots and weapons as well as wearing all their armor. They are divided into two categories as legionaries and auxiliaries.

  (1) Roman Legionary
  
  The Roman legionary was a soldier who was a Roman citizen younger than 45 who had Roman citizenship. Legionaries served in the army for 20 years. They were well-armed and great fighting men They also served as engineers and craftsmen to build roads, bridges and forts.

  (2) Roman Auxiliary
  
  The Auxiliaries were non-Roman citizens. They were recruited from tribes that had been conquered by Rome or were allied to Rome. Roman Auxiliaries served in the army for 25 years. And, they were paid less than the legionaries. After the service period, then only they can become Roman citizens.

  

  Have you ever been to Rome? What are some touristy things you do on vacation?
  

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