Influence Of Region of World on Weaponry-Joe Murray & Max Moss

Weaponry vs. Region of World, How Ancient Roman Weaponry Supports That






There have been a profuse amount of organized militaries (to say the least) throughout the course of mankind. Nearly all of the militaries that have ever existed have been unique and individual, every single one with a different aspect of their military that sets them apart from others. In particular, it is quite evident that militaries often vary based on the region of the world the they are situated in. For example, a Russian Army will be commanded and have different type of weaponry and armor than an army in an African country, or a South American country.






My partner, Max Moss and I, researched the impact of region of the world versus the weaponry and armor, and how Ancient Romans fit into that statement. Not only did we research Ancient Roman weaponry and that specific time period, but other militaries throughout the history of time that were in various regions of the world.









Soviet Union (1939-1945)






The Soviet Union during World War II had one of the most distinct militaries of modern day. What was the biggest influence on their weaponry and equipment? Weather. The Soviet Union was known to having brutal temperatures and deathly cold winters, specifically speaking, temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius, but they actually used this to their advantage. Not only did the Soviet's prepare for the weather, but capitalized when they gained knowledge that their opponents lacked in preparation. When they fought against Finland from 1939-1940 in home territory, the Soviet's wore all white winter suits and painted their tanks white to disguise themselves in the white of the snow. Not only did they use color and disguise to their benefit, but they additionally used skiing as an efficient way of transportation and utilized tanks more effectively because tanks travel easier on snow. As one can clearly see, the Soviet Union's region of the world entirely influenced their weaponry, armor, and strategy.













Native Americans (1622-1700)






During the early 1600’s Native Americans were faced with a new species of human on their turf and these humans had much more advanced weaponry. The only way to survive was through out smarting the enemy by using a type of warfare that was aided by their surroundings. This warfare was guerilla warfare. The main strategy of the Indians was short and quick attacks on their enemies and to keep moving while fighting. The Native American technology during the time was far behind the rest of the world. With rifles being as foreign as the people of Jamestown, the Indians surely had to improvise by using what they had around them. The main weapon that most indians would use is the classic bow and arrow. This was great for the battle field because of its stealth yet lethal ways of attacking. The Native Americans were also able to hand craft most of their weaponry by using the wood from trees around them to make their arrows and bows. Native Americans would also use spears which were also hand crafted from their surroundings.









Ancient Romans (27 BC-476 AD)






Ancient Romans were primarily influenced by the hot climates. They wore light armor that did not fully cover their body. They focused on the chest, shoulders, and crotchal area, while the legs went often unprotected. They walked in sandals, which did not provide much protection, although were beneficial in preserving a healthy body temperature. One must remember that the armor and weaponry had to be limited to ensure the individual could efficiently fight. With that being said, they travelled light in terms of weaponry as well. For example, many infantry soldiers fought with small daggers called a “pugio.” It was light and used not only for fighting but also for surviving in nature as well. Romans also efficiently used space by carrying “darts” on the back of their shields, which had an effective range of 30 feet to harm and physically disrupt opponents. One of the best technological advances in Ancient Roman weaponry that was effective both in terms of temperature and combat was the, “Lorica hamata,” which were essentially interlocked metal rings that served as light body armor, often associated with the middle ages but used in Ancient Rome as well. As evident, Roman weaponry and armor was directly influenced by the region of the world they were in and the temperatures they endured during battle.









Conclusion






To conclude this presentation, ancient weaponry essentially would depend on the weather, technology, and the area in which the civilization lived in. For example, The russians had to mostly adapt to the climate around them but this would also aid them cause no one could wage war in their territory. Native Americans were able to survive amongst the British because of their use of the area around them and using different techniques that were enhanced by the terrain around them. With the Romans they were influenced by the hotter climate which called for lighter weight equipment and a good amount of skin showing so they would not overheat. As one can see, organized militaries throughout humanity have been directly influenced by their region in the world and the Romans appropriately speak to that point.







Bibliography






"American-Indian Wars." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 21 Dec. 2014.






Glanz, David (1998). Stumbling Colossus: The Red Army on the Eve of World War. University Press of


Kansas






"Roman Military Equipment." Roman Military Equipment. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Dec. 2014.