Influence of a Region of World on Weaponry

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



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


Throughout time there are many civilizations that come to power. These world powers dominate there territory of living throughout the course of mankind by building an amzing millitary. Almost all of the millitaries that exist have certainly been unique and individual. Each millitary has some sort of aspect that sets them apart from the other failed nations. This uniqueness in particular is very specific to the region and climate of which their territory is located. Many millitaries have adapted and developed their own strategy in order to survive and dominate in their respective time periods. For instance, the Russian army will have much different weaponry and armour than and African country or a tribe in South America.






My partner, Joe Murray and I, researched the affect that each region of the world has on a specific armies weaponry and armour, and how Ancient Romans connect to this based on their region. We not only researched Ancient Roman weaponry and that specific time period, but other militaries and empires that were dominent throughout the history of time that were in various regions of the world.









Soviet Union (1939-1945)


The Soviet Union of Russia was a prime example of a dominating millitary that adapted to its conditions. During World War II this Russian empire became one of the most distinct millitaries of the modern day. The first issue that had to be delt with was the weather. This was most prominent influence on The Soviet Unions Weaponry and Equipment. Russia is certainly no carribean vacation spot. The winters are deathly cold with tempertures as low as nearly -30 degrees celcius! These temperatures were also their biggest advantage during the war. Not only was their weaponry and equipment revolving around the weather but, Their opponets had never faced anything like this weather before. While fighting against Finland in 1939-1940 in their home territory, The Soviets were disguised in all white winter suits and painted their tanks white to disguise themselves in the snow. Not only did they use the weather for disguise, they also used skiing as a sufficient way of transport. The weather also benefited tank warfare because it is easier for tanks to travel on snow. The Soviet Union clearly took advantage of their surrounding and modeled their weaponry, armour, and strategy around it.













Native Americans (1622-1700)






The Native American type of warfare is second to none when it comes to originality and making the best of their environment around them. The equipment and weaponry used by the Indians was widely influenced by their surroundings and weather conditions. 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 none other than guerilla warfare. The main strategy of the Indians was short and quick attacks on their enemies and to keep moving while fighting on their own terms. 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)


The Ancient Romans were influenced by the climate aroudn them as well. In particular, the warmer climate. This climate caused the armour that they wore to only cover the most essential parts of the body. This includes the Chest, Shoulders, the crotch area yet often the legs were left unguarded. This type of Armour led to maximum mobility for the Roman soldiers. They would only wear sandals which although did not provide much protection but allowed the body to stay at a reasonable temperture in the scalding heat. If too much Armour was worn during the "heat" of the battle, the soldier would pass out of dehydration as it was just too hot to be wearing an immense amount of protection. This also called for the soldiers to have fewer weapons than usual soldiers. Many soldiers fought with a "pugio." This was a small dagger which was built for mobility and quickness. The Romans also had a fair amount of darts that were attached to their shields. The most important technological advance of the Roman army was the "Lorica Hamata." This was essentially interlocked metal rings that provided chain armour and was very light and effective. It is clearly evident that Roman armour and weaponry was directly affected by the temperture of the region around them.









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


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