What Happened When a Roman Soldier Died? DOCUMENTARY

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We continue our Live History series which seeks to use reenactment to bring the past to life. This was made possible thanks to the awesome team at Imperium Romanum: / imperiumromanumyt
Ancient battles are often depicted in media as the epic climax of some story. When victory is achieved, the music swells, and the screen fades to black. However the reality is that battles are not so tidy. The aftermath of such conflicts go on for days as armies return to tend to the wounded, collect their dead, loot equipment, and set up monuments. In this history documentary on the Roman Army we seek to humanize the aftermath of a battle by seeing how this actually played out.
We begin by covering the life of a Roman legionary. This started from their recruitment into the Roman army, followed by years of service involving army training, exercise, civil tasks, patrols, watchtowers duty, and more. Eventually they would make their way to battle. Here the Roman Army tended to come out on top but that did not stop an unlucky few from drawing the statistical short straw of battlefield attrition. Thankfully the Roman army doctor was one of the best trained in the world and army medics could provide excellent care. But even they could not save everyone.
We then cover the process of recovering the dead which included checking their dog tags and passing on this information to the army scribes. We then cover the process of notifying the family and friends of a soldier. The rest of the video covers funerary practices and other activities which took place in accordance with ancient religion and roman religion.
We hope you enjoyed this history documentary on life and death in the Roman army. Let us know what other topics you would like to see covered next!
Check out more videos in our live history series:
"Gaming in the Roman Army" • Gaming in the Roman Ar...
"How Did Roman Cataphracts Prepare for War?" • How Did Roman Cataphra...
"Roman Army Training" • What Was Roman Army Ba...
"What was Watchtower Duty like on the Roman Frontier?" • What was Watchtower Du...
"Journey beyond Rome's Rhine Frontier?" • What was it like to jo...
Credits:
Research = Chris Das Neves
Script = Chris Das Neves
Narration = Guy Michaels
Reenactment = Imperium Romanum
#history
#documentary
#military

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

It turned out great again, glad to be a part of this!

[@DeHeld8]

And you guys finally managed to get at least one good looking re-enactor for your footage. Brilliant!

[@concept5631]

I was here.

[@allonzehe9135]

You folks to a truly spectacular job.

[@robertvermaat2124]

@@DeHeld8 Klopt ik was zeker 5 keer in beeld 😁

[@larsrons7937]

I much enjoy your own uploads, and I am excited about this cooperation with Invicta. Very well done this reenactment.

[@ManiusCuriusDenatus]

"If you find yourself alone, riding in green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled. For you are in Elysium and you're already dead!"

[@SOCMAR09]

What we do in life echoes through eternity

[@gabeshaw3721]

If you find yourself as a Gaul, besieged by Caesar for many days, trapped between Roman walls and that of your Celtic warriors, do not be troubled. For you are in Alesia and you’re already dead.

[@LookHereMars]

@@gabeshaw3721 ooft...

[@Menaceblue3]

Is this a gladiator reference?

[@michaelgarrow3239]

I am dead already…

[@7bootzy]

Is nobody gonna comment on the acting in this? Just some superb stuff from hobbyists and amateurs. Really, really impressive. Somebody get that crying, mourning girl in a movie ASAP.

[@InvictaHistory]

Absolutely, everyone involved in the reenactment was phenomenal!!!

[@Irish37]

I agree. That was some superb acting. Very moving.

[@guccidan2026]

Stop dickriding dude. The acting was iight.

[@kerrynicholls6683]

Indeed she did a great job. All of the people who worked on this were very professional. Well done 👍 everyone. 👏 👏

[@cloroc]

No one is

[@Negativvv]

To be fair to Gladiator the film, Maximus does make a comment about having scores of men wounded and ones who will never walk away from the battlefield, also a deleted scene shows him walking through the field hospital in the aftermath of the Germanic battle seeing all the dying/wounded. The human cost of warfare is not discussed enough, even amongst experts in the field. This video and the much earlier one about the sheer human suffering of the non combatants in the Battle of Alesia really help to address that imbalance.

[@cringlator]

“Let no one mourn; the death of one soldier is not a great loss to the republic”

[@ManiusCuriusDenatus]

Decius?

[@TheLoyalOfficer]

@@ManiusCuriusDenatus Yes - in reference to his own son dying in battle. Based.

[@freedombro6502]

@@TheLoyalOfficer that's what a real man would say . I'm sure behind closed doors such a man would mourn , but not in public .

[@TheLoyalOfficer]

@@freedombro6502 Still, hardcoremofo.

[@TheZinmo]

@@freedombro6502 A "real" roman, sure. I'm not so sure these days. If the cause warrants it, maybe, but what f.e. about those russian soldiers today? Is their death worth it?

[@robbabcock_]

Wonderful video, not only fascinating but moving. History so often deals in broad strokes focused on the "Great Men" of the age. It's really interesting to drill down a ways and get a look at the daily lives of the average men and women that did the true heavy lifting of history.

[@aratus1622]

There was a series a few years back called 'The Worst Jobs in History'. It covers things like that. Less Kings and battles, more everyday jobs that kept things running.

[@nvmtt1403]

@Smiling Shadow is this from the bible? can you specify the source?

[@nvmtt1403]

@Smiling Shadow ( Despite what people assume, we are much less happy (and less healthy))- Actually, most educated people do not assume that. This has been the case since the agricultural revolution. It is mostly common knowledge in the academic circle that sedentary societies displaced hunter gatherer cultures that were much happier and had higher health standards for individual people. A hunter gatherer fed on fruits and meat was in general much healthier than his sedentary counterpart who mainly subsisted on grain. Only one problem. Numbers. Sedentary societies could field much higher number of men due to their lifestyle and thus simply overran the hunters. A feudal retainer for a sedentary lord might be miserable and weak, but 5 of them sticking a spear into one hunter still gave them a decisive military advantage. we see this time and time again in human history. Rome and the german/gaul tribes. Russian empire and the eastern khanates.

[@felipericketts]

War is more tragic than glorious. We should learn to resort to it as little as possible, if at all! Thanks for sharing this story. It was painful to watch and imagine all of the pain and suffering.

[@birdstwin1186]

The reason they focused on the leaders is because, in fact, they did do the heavy lifting in creating societies, often from scratch, mustering large armies with charisma or guile, building economies and courts and whole countries. Something the 'average man and woman' could not do, because the do not have the skill to do such things. No average men is going to come up with the Marian Reforms, Napoleonic Code, or Hammurabi's Code, Magna Carta, The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, US Constitution or the UN Charter. Platitudes don't cut it, well only on this channel's comment section, but in serious historical forums outside youtube, they dont.

[@Nocturion90]

Great video. We often forget that people from history were humans just like us. That every man in these ancient armies was not a number, a person. Thank you for giving this human perspective to history.

[@jessepacheco6020]

Yup. Take away all this technology and we're not much different...

[@KcKeegan]

Hear here

[@andreascovano7742]

The actors have really outdone themselves this time. Especially the woman at 10:22. Extremely belieavable!

[@sumtingwong2138]

Those guys at Imperium Romanum are awesome, some of the best Roman themed stuff ever recorded!

[@georgewilkie3580]

As a US Army combat Vet (505th PIR 82nd Airborne Division), I found your Video on the Roman Legions and the Centurion Troops very educational and quite entertaining. It seems that some parts of Military life have never changed through the centuries. Weapons instruction, working out and various exercises, Troops always looking forward to receiving letters and packages from Home, Troops always looking forward to Chow Time and hopefully, good food. These things and others have remained unchanged over the centuries. In some ways I feel a comradery with the millions of Troops that have gone before me in ancient times. My sincere Thanks to You for bringing this excellent video to old Soldiers like me. God's speed to You. BRAVO!

[@blahblah2779]

What does you being a veteran or mentioning your unit have anything to do with this video? Another shameless idiot who couldn’t resist bringing up they served in the military. Because if they didn’t….nobody would give a 💩

[@Dadecorban]

No. They have changed. From the Fall of the Western Roman Empire until highly centralized states of the 14th and 15th Centuries....and even then....military life was rarely if ever this organized; administratively keeping track of soldiers, actually paying them, notifying loved ones through some formal system, paying benefits was too much to be asked for. Feudal armies were far more....ad hoc. (at least in Europe) You probably saw this level of professionalization again first with the Mongols on their recons by force into Europe. That being said, the kernel of your point I think is that when professionalized....you see the same things arise separated by centuries and millenia.

[@captainamerica6525]

This 101st Screaming Eagle vet agrees with your every word!

[@berniegores2083]

why is the sky blue?

[@freebeerfordworkers]

An American military historian considered the Roman casualty clearing system was not matched by European armies until the later 19th century.

[@Alex.1987]

Would be nice a video about the life of a legionnaire after retirement.

[@ravager2-636]

“Solum in morte officium perit” (Poetic) “Solus in morte officium finem facit” Only in death does duty end

[@ASH-vz4ue]

That's not latin bro. You Googled it and it came out all jumbled

[@IsakSko]

@@ASH-vz4ue Your point?

[@claudioclaudio7953]

@@IsakSko that op might have as well not written the butchered latin version of the phrase, I'd guess

[@ASH-vz4ue]

@@IsakSko yours?

[@nvmtt1403]

@@IsakSko that this is just a meme material.

[@yorkshireaquatics9537]

What a cracking topic. So many people get caught up on the glory and plunder after a battle... not many seem to appreciate the loss of life. The destruction of the sacred band always resonates with me. Just thinking about Phillip the second weeping for the loss of such brave warriors really hits hard with me. Thank you for such great content as always Invicta and I wish everyone who works on your content a prosperous and healthy new year. My best regards

[@phillipj.benson9497]

I feel like videos like this prove Invicta is much more than what historians or historical enthusiasts would call "Pop" History. Pop History and Pop History enthusiasts always want to talk about "Great Man This" and "Great Man That" and will spend hours fawning over the numerous tried and true picked over subjects of history (I'm looking at you, WW2 channels that only talk about how cool and big German tanks were). It's refreshing to see a channel earnestly take a step back and look at the human element of these big events/eras that Pop History fans love to fawn over. It's easy to forget that events like the battle at Teutoburg Forest was a slaughter of thousands of men who were likely husbands, fathers, sons, etc. It's easy to disconnect from the countless human tragedies and stories that surround every major historical event, but I'm glad you guys will make an effort to conceptualize them.

[@Negativvv]

Great men are overrated, even look at WW2 and the more recent conflicts. Decent generals usually have the backing of their state or favourable conditions. Like if you swapped Rommel and MacArther or Yamamoto and Nimitz, would any of them have done much better or worse in the reversed roles?

[@doredam8919]

I mean, history is usually the celebrity gossip of archaeologists, where everyday life for normal people is brought to light more. Of course in historical records this is also possible, but happens less often

[@BrutalDongshart]

Thanks so much for videos like this. I've always been fascinated by the lives of the "ordinary" people of historical times. When I'm watching a historical movie or TV show and Extra #271 runs onscreen only to be killed within 5 seconds, I often catch myself wondering what they were like, what they ate for breakfast, what they did for fun, etc. It's nice getting a peek into the lives of people who weren't history's "main characters."

[@riccardodececco4404]

the datails of the re-enactment gear and equipment are outstanding! And beyond any clichés!

[@necrophadian]

Glad you partnered with Imperium Romanum, they're a well produced and knowledgeable channel, here's to more collabs with them!

[@slowerthinker]

_Next to a battle lost the saddest thing is a battle won_

[@saf2197]

Oh my god, I love the "live history" series. Great job you guys!

[@briancross7835]

"There is no Hans Zimmer track. Only the the moans of the dying". Fantastic writing.

[@pendantblade6361]

Imperium Romanum continues top even Hollywood in terms of authenticity.

[@catomacro1950]

Another question on the contubernium. What about the one or two slaves assigned to each squad? Did they sleep in a different tent? Or did they share that same tent? Again, the "back office" of a legion on campaign is rarely discussed in texts. Standard diagrams of a Roman camp only ever show the soldiers' (cavalry included) tents, and the officers' tents. But what about the Roman scribes, ironmongers, carpenters, slaves, couriers, messengers, on and on. The reality would have been quite different from the usual camp diagrams. It's like saying that our current military is only composed of soldiers when in fact there are many, many more roles which support the soldiers, and the military machine. Ideas anyone?

[@DPXerxes]

Great question! I'd love to know about that too

[@mitch8072]

i think that slaves is to modern. Casear notes of his campagne in Gaul the "slaves" pick up weapons and defend from the enemy when the enemy attacks the the bagage train when the baggage train is moving to the new camp. . that would be a exellent moment to flee and never come back. but the fight and win. so they where there of free will. and the must have slept in the same tent

[@Progamermove_2003]

@@mitch8072 Not only could they flee, but they could also join hands with enemies for the sake of a guaranteed freedom (his master can't search for him if he's already dead). It's more likely that they were free men doing their job.

[@josephturner7569]

Nothing but a battle lost is half so melancholy as a battle won. Arthur Wellesley.

[@cenbnd5683]

Great video, humanizing war and the life of those who fought, not for an ideal, but to earn a honest life.

[@sheregrewal9182]

Beeing a eleventh generation soldier having lost my ancestors in epic battles i bow my head to the band of brothers be it from the opposing side of warriors who fought for the honour of their Temple' and ashes of their forefathers. This is indeed a noble profession and cremation is still given with full respect to the FALEN

[@FirstLast-di5sr]

This is an excellent video! Thank you both for the collaboration!!

[@matzekatze7500]

I just love this "humanizing" thing! Thank your for doing this!

[@CaioCezar024]

always great stuff on this channel!

[@onemercilessming1342]

I've been fascinated with Ancient Rome since childhood and, taking Latin in high school, I wish more could have been taught other than the meager offerings of ancient history classes and "Cornelia's Jewels".

[@Dadecorban]

Even if you had been it might not have been what you imagine. The historical landscape has changed greatly over the last 30 years. The advent of the internet (very obscure and eclectic facts about Roman military life would have been relegated to a small number of niche Roman historians), re-enactment groups, live historical experiments (with road building, armor, Roman military drill) have all greatly added to the record.

[@onemercilessming1342]

@@Dadecorban Obviously, you've never been well-taught in the history of Rome by a priest. Run along g now. Ignoring you.

[@Dadecorban]

@@onemercilessming1342 Somehow you interpreted what I said as an insult. Do read slightly harder. (You won't learn the finer points of ballista use or Roman camp construction techniques from a Priest)

[@sirchromiumdowns2015]

Great video!

[@Capsuleer7]

No matter the people or era, a soldiers life is a universal constant. My father would have enjoyed watching this.

[@colonial6452]

I would greatly appreciate seeing a presentation on just how ancient armies handled the logistical process. Trying to feed and water tens of thousands of fighting men, support staff and animals must have been very challenging.

[@Kevan808]

Super appreciate your content!

[@jakeg3733]

You and Imperium Romanum make an excellent team. I have loved Roman history since I was young, but it always had this abstract, detached quality to it. These people lived millennia ago and in some ways seem quite alien. Videos that humanize them like this are important and intriguing to watch

[@GerhardVenter221]

Good job, thank you!

[@carminelucia.5846]

An excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@sonidojamon]

I just discovered this channel!! I love it!

[@MB-rt3ck]

Thank you for this new video,. Very interesting topic.

[@davidc6510]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing

[@oriancunningham]

brilliant, and emotional video, thank you!

[@wonderboy2402]

Beautiful and educational video - thank you.

[@claireconolly8355]

Thank you for this, this is really important and informative 🙏

[@peterbray5383]

Very well put together.

[@mihrimahsultana1263]

great video love that it was very eye opening because when we think of important conquest we only think of the aftermath of wining and glory but we don't get to see the other side of it which is the number of dead people that had to die for there to be victory. Thanks video very emotional.

[@zaveeramini9712]

Many thanks for the great historical and entertaining content!

[@joesanchez979]

Great history lesson Merry Christmas 👍

[@n1msu]

The first video I've seen on this channel, but a brilliant one. I've heard the narrators voice before someone but massive props to him too.

[@josephlongbone4255]

Italia: "Oh no, Marcus is dead, how sad." Germania: "Looks like fleischer ist back on der menu boys!"

[@noahkidd3359]

Fantastic video!!

[@MrMenefrego1]

An outstanding effort! Here in The Netherlands, there is an entirely recreated Roman village, it is a remarkable trip into our collective past. *Hail Ceasar!*

[@tristinkirby]

You guys did wonderful on this congratulations

[@Gunslinga13]

What a fascinating way to present history! There is so much potential in making series or movies for various aspects of the life of the people throughout history, from prehistory to modern era.. Especially the roman era has so much potential, since we have much information and general knowledge. Keep up the good work!

[@RHampton]

Great concept for a video.

[@ryanrobot2003]

Great Work

[@mikeday8295]

What a brilliant video worthy of mainstream stuff. Thanks

[@joelombrdo]

Excellent video

[@druidriley3163]

Excellent video.

[@anselmdanker9519]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@CrimsonAlchemist]

Ive been with this channel since the beginning. I'm Glad how it evolved into a full-blown National Geographic level in quality! Keep it up! Also like to see History from other parts of the world especially Asia.

[@allonzehe9135]

One of your best videos. Well done.

[@CZPanthyr]

Absolutely fascinating.

[@jsz1962]

Very well done.

[@MrTryAnotherOne]

Thanks for picking up this topic.

[@tombombadilofficial]

3:33 I cant play dead. The moment someone touches my neck i’d be giggling and cackling af. 😂

[@grahamturner1290]

Most intriguing. 👍

[@jamesmurray8558]

Thank you! You all are very good.

[@TXMEDRGR]

Thanks for the very well-done video, I found it educational and entertaining. Please consider more videos on everyday life for Romans.

[@v.g.r.l.4072]

Wonderful documentary with excellent reconstitución of the eventos it deals with. Imperium Romanum is the greatest group that I know that strives to show what ancient life was like.

[@paulhunter6742]

I found this video deeply moving. It's easy to see why Roman Empire lasted so many centuries. Could cover topic of how Roman Army changes when began inscription of non-Romans like Germans, and peoples other cultures.

[@AgentGB1]

great vid

[@duneydan7993]

Field hospitals? Dog tags? Leaders sending a letter to the dead soldier's family by mail? It sounds so incredibly modern!

[@4sakenreaper42]

Interesting video

[@dom5648]

Quality content

[@davidhughes8357]

From someone that has been in combat this was very special for me. Thank you so much.

[@reddot5859]

As an infantry marine I can say military life hasn’t changed in centuries lol especially finding any and everything to keep busy when not doing anything

[@georgewilkie3580]

Thanks for that input, Red Dot. As an 505th PIR 82nd Airborne Div. Sgt., I was stationed in Phu Bai, South Vietnam. At times my unit worked very closely with the Marine Corps. The USMC had control of Hue, the ancient Capitol of Vietnam. Phu Bai was just a few Klicks from Hue, so the USMC and the Army's 82nd Airborne Div. Often supported each other in combat engagements. I have to declare that US Marines are the Best Troops in the world to have covering your Flanks or your Backs. They were tough, strong, and always ready to Roll. We worked together like blood brothers. So, from this old Paratrooper to a proud US Marine, Thank You for You input, and Thanks for the memories. SEMPER FI !

[@leoscheibelhut940]

Superb!

[@brokenbridge6316]

Nice video

[@UAPReportingCenter]

Amazing

[@hia5235]

Wow that was touching

[@rogerdildeau7507]

The re-enactors do a great job in illustrating what the narrator describes. Thank you.

[@natejones902]

This reminds me of the level of the 1984 history series soldier a history of men in battle. Which deals with some of the life as a Roman soldier, while looking at other time periods. It's also interesting how many practices seen here have been carried on to today. Very well made.

[@robertmastnak581]

Very interesting fakts about their military and privaten life. Thx

[@jpwilliams6926]

Fascinating

[@mikmik9034]

Skip to 2:50 for beginning. The term: "A soldier being brought home on his Shield" fits what period and class of soldier?

[@ralambosontiavina7372]

You guys rock.

[@lesliecarr312]

Thank you for this enlightenment. This is a subject sorely neglected and overlooked by too many historians and archaeologists who mostly focus on nobility and architecture, and on the lower class citizenry. Two of my favorite and more renowned historians, Mary Beard and Andrew Wallace Hadrill, are ones I would like to hear more from on such subjects as this, because all these things are so intricately intertwined in this and civilizations.

[@tobygoodguy4032]

I wanted to know this - thanks. 🤠

[@joshicus_saint_anger]

Great choice of subject!

[@GamerForLifeDrakunia]

Why am I getting emotional over this?! :.(

[@hanssteiner4315]

It might feel as a game over for you?

[@GamerForLifeDrakunia]

@@hanssteiner4315 probably

[@helmort]

These guys are the best

[@HrLBolle]

@Invicta One subject that would interest me is the overall development of Roman naval forces (ocean going and on the rivers of the Imperium), military and trade, including a glimpse of how other civilizations influenced this subject. Such as the circumstance that Carthage accidentally gave the Roman forces a blueprint for a very capable warship, in the form of one of their ships that ran aground hard off the coast of Sicily

[@alejandrosakai1744]

This is a very emotional video because it showcases how the Roman legionaries were buried! But I'm wondering about the case of the Auxiliary legionaries!

[@scottbound5378]

Incredible reenactment! Such a great addition that does great at immersion of the practices, but that 'pyre' would not burn well

[@NutnRoll]

Imperium Romanum is a fantastic channel that puts life back into the history of Rome. Everyone should check them out and subscribe to them!

[@riharikaa809]

Just shows how the modern army follows the roman army practice's, more credit to the romans for caring for the families of the fallen. Great presentation, thank you.

[@Chris14141]

Remember to take every history video you see done by a youtube channel with a grain of salt, as 3:51 will clearly show you. These are not professional historians, these are entertainers.

[@2460z_htdja]

what a life spent to die in a battlefield in the name of an idea, but still victory is a must to any society

[@Nitya-001]

Nice

[@keshhan6412]

This wonderful video makes me feel like watching Gladiator again, for the 50th time probably.

[@georgecristiancripcia4819]

Very nice video.I would like to see how the roman laws applied to soldiers and how it evolved over time,how a widow could collect benefits,how a child might be recognize,how and when the marriage were recognized and the like. And maybe how the roman law worked and evolved for auxilia soldiers.