Could You Survive in a Roman Frontier Fort?

Step back into the first century AD with Survive History as we explore the challenges faced by Roman soldiers on the frontier of the Empire. In this immersive episode, filmed at a meticulously reconstructed Roman fort on the Welsh border, we explore the daily life of a Roman soldier.
With the help of volunteers from the Roman Military Research Society, we ask whether you could survive serving in a remote outpost on the edge of ‘barbaricum’. From the secrets of Roman military training, to the intricacies of Roman weapons and armour, we discover what made the Roman army such a successful force on the battlefield. We also experience the power of Roman ranged weapons, from the bow to the ballista.
We learn about the differences between Roman legionaries and auxiliaries, discover what Roman soldiers ate, and how they dealt with terrifying barbarian foes like Sarmatian horse archers. And we find out what it takes to construct a full-size first century Roman fort from the build team at Park in the Past - a truly unique construction project.
So the question is, could you survive as a soldier on the Roman frontier?
#romanempire #militaryhistory #history
00:00 Introduction
02:20 Where you'd be stationed
04:31 Auxiliaries and legionaries
12:15 Roman army training
18:49 Roman forts
22:13 Sentry duty
24:27 Roman toilets
25:12 Meeting the fort builder
30:11 Britain's Big Fort Build
30:55 Ranged weapons
38:00 Sarmatian horse archer
43:22 What Roman soldiers ate
48:11 Could you survive?

[@survivehistory]

Really hope you enjoy the video guys! Let us know what you think in the comments and please consider supporting the channel at: ko-fi.com/survivehistory Which aspect of life on the frontier do you think you'd find hardest to cope with? 🤔 Big thanks again to the Roman Military Research Society and Park in the Past - both helping to keep history alive! 💪 If you're able, you can also donate to the 'Big Fort Build' to help this amazing project become a reality: localgiving.org/fundraising/buildthisfort/

[@nelson0110]

Great Videos, it would be cool to see some on Prussia, Cossacks, White Russians, Shogun and the Musketeer era.

[@Mrz-sb1hw]

I would have been a pict fighting against the forces of darkness - the Romans.

[@FylMarite]

PLEASE DO AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

[@NobleKorhedron]

Why aren't Wales and Northern England occupied; what date is this...?

[@ppo2424]

They're great, will definitely be visiting.thanks.

[@jonathansimmons877]

22:43 “probably the least favorite job for Roman soldiers in a fort would’ve been sentry duty” haha some things never change as it is the least favorite duty for soldiers in a modern day military

[@Ruhnum]

Why ?

[@jonathansimmons877]

⁠@@Ruhnumliterally the same primary reason listed in the video

[@TheOffkilter]

Tower guard was one of my least favorite parts of serving in Iraq thats for sure.

[@redstarling5171]

Worse than digging trenches and foxholes?​@@jonathansimmons877

[@primarchvulkan4013]

Funny enough, during my conscription service the sentry duty for the division's fuel storage facility was the most sought after, cuz it was located a few kilometres away from our base, and it was basically a day off from a drill, even with only a 4 hours of sleep, divided in 2 parts. It was awesome even with high command checking 1 or 2 times for the whole duty (especially after a group of soldiers from my platoon almost got caught with booze)

[@opalen903]

Great videos, it reminds me of good history documentaries on Discovery Channel and the like from 15-20 years ago. Looking forward to upcoming videos!

[@SereneCube]

Literally was thinking the same!

[@lukefriesenhahn8186]

I wish they still made them like that.

[@ahmadfrhan5265]

Why white western people playing Roman? Rome called whites unclean barbarians and uncivilized and looked down on you on racial sense as well, they were Tanned Olive skinned. It's like black people playing Nazis.......

[@Kampfwageneer]

Definitely

[@kylestallings9684]

The vibe is so similar!! It’s really scratching the nostalgia itch for watching those docs with my dad back in the day haha

[@TashdacatGaming]

I absolutely love this. You're not just watching and talking over footage, you're actually there wearing the armour and experiencing the life. This is the kinda thing more of these historical life documentaries should be, actually experiencing what they're talking about as close as we're able to approximate.

[@dmitrychersky7228]

Comment for Emperor Algorithmus

[@dancemunki]

😂😂😂😂

[@thebbie-phams]

I found this video through one of the shorts discussing food. Honestly, I was expecting an entire documentary about food but this was actually really good! Looking through your channel a bit later, I found out that this is a newer channel. Safe to say you folks have earned a new subscriber.

[@survivehistory]

Thanks so much and welcome aboard!

[@marial8235]

My big Maine Coon cat Brutus watched this documentary with great interest. I think he wants to join the legion. Don’t tell Caesar.😂😂😂

[@articbaba]

Tu quoque Brute, catte mi😄

[@theopollitt1829]

Man this is so good keep doing this you going to be huge. Such high quality 👍🏻

[@survivehistory]

Appreciate it!

[@holymanbob9491]

I bet these guys think about the Roman empire a lot.

[@MrWasjig]

This is some really top notch work! Levelling the likes of history documentaries from the 90's and early 2000's, the type that seem to have gradually vanished in the last 20 years.

[@survivehistory]

Thanks so much!

[@Zagge]

What a great start these two episodes have been for a series that I'm sure has a lot more to come! These production values are way beyond the stuff we see on KZbin. Excellent work and really looking forward to seeing more. In a few years after you've made a huge breakthrough, I'll be here with you being proud of seeing the channel's journey from the start.

[@survivehistory]

We really appreciate that thank you

[@kamikazemelon787]

Same, I am a huge history buff and this was an awesome watch. Amazing work!! Instantly subscribed

[@t.wcharles2171]

That Centurion has a rather sterling moustache.

[@erikgothberg8078]

Great video! Would love to see a "Could you survive as a Prussian Soldier in the Seven Years War" !

[@manupontheprecipice6254]

You’d have better chance than a Prussian peasant that’s for sure!

[@DreadnaughtyArt]

Love this. It's so much more interesting watching someone be a part of history rather than just talking about it

[@Rhyddid_tan]

Thank you very much for creating this first class production and for elevating the great work that the people at 'Park in the Past' are doing. Bringing history to life.

[@survivehistory]

Our pleasure!

[@stalkingboudicca7665]

the Park in the Past lads are doing a fantastic job for us all..... thanks

[@JShe-wy1yg]

My guy, its beeeln said by others but this is better content than most of tv shows nowadays, well done pal

[@survivehistory]

thanks it means a lot!

[@andrewgbilt9894]

This channel is incredibly under rated, interesting and professionally made. Can't wait for more!

[@yellingyank1862]

This channel deserves so much more recognition! The combo of your knowledge mixed with some of the reenactor's knowledge, and you actually wearing the gear and living the life is awesome! Please keep this content going!

[@survivehistory]

Much appreciated!

[@swim2kill]

Really cool video. Learning more about the Roman legions never gets old. This is a good way to explore the history of the Roman military and get an actual feel for what aspects of it may have really been like. 👍

[@ThisisBarris]

Incredible work! And extremely entertaining while being insightful. Looking forward to more

[@Splodge542]

I live quite close to a Roman Fort in Scotland. I often wonder about the lives of the men therein. There is also evidence of a Vicus, I read, and so there grew a community in a short time because it wasn't here long according to Tacitus. However it is high and dry on a platform above the confluence of the Tay and and Almond and may have guarded a bridge. Who knows?

[@Splodge542]

Excellent. I haven't done the Antonine wall yet. The soldier's life? Routine, orders, discipline, boredom? Maybe combat was rare. @@simbaski

[@The_Great_Letter_E]

What an awesome channel! I know this is a very new channel but these two videos you have are amazing! Might i suggest you guys do "could YOU survive as an American soldier during the revolutionary war"? Keep up the amazing work!

[@LuvBorderCollies]

Or more specifically....could you survive the winter at Valley Forge? Even worse, could you survive a worse winter with worse "shelter" than Valley Forge? Valley Forge got the fame but it was NOT the worst winter for Washington and the Continental Army.

[@The_Great_Letter_E]

@@LuvBorderCollies Good point! I didn't think of that

[@The_Great_Letter_E]

I think the worst winter was actually Morristown, in 1779-1780

[@filipmalecki9863]

This channel is literally CRIMINALY underrated man. I've never seen anything like this. I wish you guys the best.

[@survivehistory]

Really appreciate that!

[@luismagarinos3012]

This is so f cool. You could feel the passion and love of the people you talked to. Man, now I want to be a volunteer myself

[@ronstille7924]

Your videos are a breath of fresh air .Its like having the old history channel back im hooked on your channel

[@gs7828]

I loved all the small details about day-to-day life. Thanks!

[@patrickbarrett5650]

Great stuff, you’ve made so many things much clearer. Well done.

[@paradox11111111]

This is a great video! Wonderful production quality. I'm stoked to see more from y'all

[@Classiccolin]

Great video and a look over what they ate and even trying the food for any future videos is a must have. 👍🏼

[@Madmerlined]

This is fantastic. Really miss documentaries like this

[@HeavenlyMandate]

This channel is an absolute win, both videos are well researched and with high production value

[@survivehistory]

Thanks so much!

[@Zobgo_Islander]

Nice video man! Good quality and very informational. Keep it up!

[@survivehistory]

Thanks, will do!

[@LankyyG]

This is so cool! Thanks for making this fellas and keep 'em coming!

[@johnshields6852]

Fascinating to actually see the equipment, weapons and how they lived. Thank you very much.

[@rc59191]

You're doing some amazing work dude good job. Your series reminds me of a show hosted hy that dude from Home Improvement called Foot Soldiers that delved into the life of your average Soldier's and Warrior's throughout history. He covered the Romans, Viking's, World War I Soldiers, Napoleonic Soldiers, the list goes on.

[@survivehistory]

Thank you!

[@caydenhauschild7591]

Another great video hope y’all never quit!!!

[@Mustacheman17]

i love how into it these guys are lol, something refreshing about it

[@antoniobautista6718]

Amazing video on this topic! This could even expand throughout the late Roman Empire and the surviving Eastern Roman Empire in 1453 AD. The Roman Empire was powerful, pre-eminent, eternal, and universal in its time; but the very base and foundation of the Eternal City and it's power was built on the Roman ability to, first and foremost, survive insurmountable odds repeatedly and adapt successful techniques and technologies from their adversaries, and then perfect said techniques and technology for their own use against their foes until they submit to Roman grit and steel. The entire Roman history is perfect for this "Surviving History" series. But most importantly, as a lover of history, this channel and its administrators are doing what modern-day, gigantic history media outlets are failing to do: bring history to life for the viewers, give great entertainment, and most of all, give accurate information on the topic(s) covered. Keep up the great work, this will definitely be a hit series on the internet! ❤️🔥

[@theimmortalgrenadier3851]

The Sarmatian Horse Archer actress is awesome! Congrats for the video sir! I loved it! This is a very underrated channel, that deserves much more recognition and endorsement! Keep up the great work!

[@KontraktWolf]

Great video, keep it up!!

[@slimjimteryaky9699]

I spent an amazing great morning watching your two videos. Can't wait to see what you and your team will come up with Very interesting that you brought up boredom in the daily life of soldiers.

[@survivehistory]

Means a lot thank you

[@kronus4915]

What excellent content, I can’t wait for more!

[@Moc_Builder]

Can’t wait to watch it! Great content, keep it up!

[@survivehistory]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@merchanting]

Amazing work and quality. Great vid

[@lookingforwolfy4557]

Absolute banger of a video!

[@forestreader]

Wow for a smaller channel with less than 30k subscribers this is very high production value content. This is like a cable TV documentary. This is great

[@elbrobert2377]

I love this kind of content, again great quality please do more i cant wait for the next Video !

[@kefflo5]

Hey there! Fantastic video! I'm a huge fan of military history, and your content really hits the mark. I was thinking, it would be absolutely amazing if, in the future, you could potentially gain access to explore the life of a Swedish Carolean soldier. Cheers

[@nathantorsy1466]

This video was so cool, please do more!

[@kenc9236]

Awesome video, really love all the detail.

[@flyboy970]

These are brilliant. Thank you.

[@survivehistory]

You're very welcome!

[@rubosrex7303]

This channel is destined to explode. Keep it up.

[@advasity339]

You guys have only released a bit of content but im already a huge fan

[@jalilabdur-rahman9524]

awsome video thank you so much you help me learn history!

[@Mernburglar]

Excellent video. Keep it coming

[@beachcomberbloke462]

Congratulations for the meticulous research that went into this documentary. I salute the Centurions grasp of Latin which adds to the re enactment experience.Not nit picking but there is one rank that was not mentioned Optio who was second in command to the Centurion.Also the books i have read refer to the catapults as scorpions and ballistas,sorry for being a bit nerdy!😀 👍

[@mp5285]

Great Channel, Hope you will stay Here for Long

[@survivehistory]

That's the plan!

[@soyshariq]

I love this channel ❤️

[@BedeLaplume]

Really well done! Great research, montage and narration work..

[@survivehistory]

Much appreciated!

[@BedeLaplume]

Well deserved a lot of work went into that documentary..@@survivehistory

[@peterkarpo1227]

Loving this content! Keep it up and I'm sure I will see you with a million subscribers in no time!

[@survivehistory]

Thanks Peter!

[@ECHOFOXTROT289]

keep up the great work!

[@Sir.Leonardo.Scherer]

This is amazing... This is exactly the kind of thing I would love to do if I had the money to buy the kit and go to the places. It's awesome

[@nikolozgilles]

your videos are amazing, only 2 videos and i am already a fan 🤩

[@thisguyaintfunny1881]

Awesome content once again! Keep em comming! :)

[@kostishasopoulos9816]

Came here after a small short in FB and sat the entire episode. Great work with a nice pace. and great script.

[@kid-ava]

very fascinating and informed video, thanks for uploading 💖💖

[@billythekid94]

You, my friend, have earned another subscriber. Love the content, excited to see what's more to come!

[@survivehistory]

Awesome, thank you!

[@YaMrsisGopping]

Absolutely class video, can’t wait for another one. Keep up the good work mate 👍🏼

[@LorentzInvariance]

What a cool video! Thanks for doing this and sharing a bit o knowledge!

[@survivehistory]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rosenbaek5708]

Great content, just like the previous work. Keep up the good work!👍

[@samparker8077]

Amazing watch 👍🏻

[@muchneededwater5936]

That zoom out at 24:50 got a laugh out of me, keep up the great content 👍

[@saintengel92]

Amazing video, and project!

[@teanbiscuits100]

I love your content, keep making more!

[@survivehistory]

We will!

[@bioblade87]

liked subbed. Incredible production quality. worthy to be on national television.

[@survivehistory]

thanks so much!

[@Bigbadglimbo]

Loved this! Wasn't cheesy and had some really cool facts

[@YAH2121]

Incredible work!

[@DerptekofGoochland]

Excellent video. This channel is a certified algorithm W. Watching this video reminds me of listening to my beloved Hardcore History episodes by Dan Carlin. I love these glimpses into ancient life at the ground level.

[@Machiovel]

What a great video, reminds me of the History channel from my youth. Really informative, can't wait to see more and hopefully we can revisit this Fort when it has the HQ built.

[@lyndad1039]

Another excellent well presented video.

[@mrmuhdabdulazizbinn.i.i4783]

Great Content, keep it up!

[@TheCardanoArmy]

Love this channel!

[@FordPrefect-tr8fb]

This a great documentary. Thanks for posting. ❤👍

[@survivehistory]

Our pleasure!

[@HallyIsMe]

absolutley love this content im a history major so this is perfect for me!

[@desdicadoric]

Great video gents, thanks

[@Simon-ge2ss]

Great work lads, i really enjoyed the video.

[@survivehistory]

Much appreciated!

[@unterhaltung3433]

Great documentary!

[@SteveMrW]

I loved watching this video, really good.

[@survivehistory]

Thanks Steve!

[@michaelpeters6659]

The more things change the more they stay the same😊 it’s comforting to know that the infantry has been doing similar tasks for thousands of years

[@edgreenhalgh6890]

The 'duvet' at 3,03 used to be my sister-in-law's sheepskin rug 🥰

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Building such a camp, where you can relive life from back then, is a fantastic initiative !! Thanks for the vid, really appreciate it 👍 Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱, TW.

[@survivehistory]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@julianscaeva4334]

Great content, liked and subscribed!

[@survivehistory]

Welcome aboard!

[@SomeOne-ti2cz]

This channel is awesome, keep going with the videos with this format

[@survivehistory]

We will!

[@user-es5gx2di7h]

So. Frigging. Cool. Amazing documentary. 🎉

[@jebediahgentry7029]

Please keep making these!

[@brandonc1875]

Yeah, this channel is going to blow up :) great content!

[@Cyberfreq94]

I lived in Mold for years and i never knew this place existed so close to me (where this is located is literally the next village over in Hope) until i moved last year, definitely going back with my partner to visit sometime later this year. Wish i paid more attention to my local landmarks. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, definitely will be donating.

[@Sagittbrit]

If you're looking at heading to the fort, aim for the end of May, the main event takes place the last week of the month. The entry is a bit more expensive, but it has reenactors from all over europe

[@Cyberfreq94]

@@Sagittbrit oh damn thanks for letting us know man

[@artyom1473]

Great video. I like every moment of it keep up the good work 👍

[@survivehistory]

Thank you! 👍

[@nunu1958]

really enjoyed that and well done to my old colleagues in the RMRS!