Did Roman soldiers carry rations during battle?

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Yes, Roman soldiers did carry rations during battle, but not necessarily in the way we might imagine. They didn't have backpacks like modern soldiers, but relied on a few different methods:

Sarcina: This was a large, rectangular pack carried on the back and supported by a yoke harness. It held personal belongings, including rations, cooking equipment, tools, and a few days' worth of food. However, the sarcina would typically be left behind at camp when marching into battle.

Cibaria: This was a smaller bag or pouch usually strapped to the soldier's belt. It carried basic rations for immediate consumption during the fight, typically consisting of:

• Hardtack biscuits: Dried bread baked twice for long shelf life.
• Salted meat: Usually pork or beef, preserved through salting and drying.
• Cheese: A popular protein and fat source.
• Dried fruit and nuts: Provided additional energy and vitamins.

Foraging: During longer campaigns, soldiers were also encouraged to forage for food when possible. They might eat wild berries, fruits, and even roots to supplement their rations.

Supply lines: The Roman army was very efficient at maintaining supply lines, meaning fresh food could be brought up from the rear even during extended campaigns. However, this wasn't always guaranteed, and soldiers had to be prepared to rely on their own rations for at least a few days.

Overall, while Roman soldiers didn't carry extensive rations during the actual battle itself, they had access to various methods of sustenance for both short-term and longer campaigns.

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