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.The Roman Army
Impedimenta
The impedimenta is the civilian component of an army consisting of an incalculable number of people, pack animals and wagons.
Slaves transported the soldiers’ equipment on mules and carts and even tradesmen followed the army. Although the soldiers were not allowed to marry before their discharge, their unofficial women and children followed behind the combat units.
If an enemy attack was expected during a march, the impedimenta of every unit would gather together between the soldiers. Three quarters of the soldiers then preceded and one quarter stayed behind the impedimenta to protect it.