Camillan Reforms
Marcus Furius Camillus (c. 447-365 BC) was a Roman statesman and military leader. According to Titus Livius, he held a number of senior government positions: he was censor in 403 BC,6 times was a military tribune with consular authority (401,398,394,386,384 and 381 BC),5 times appointed dictator (396,390,389,368 and 367 BC),4 times awarded a triumph, three times was interrex. For the expulsion of the Gauls, he received the title of "second founder of Rome". As a patrician, in the struggle between patricians and Plebeians, he consistently took the side of the Patricians. Camillus' father was Lucius Furius Medullinus, a military tribune. In 396 BC, Camillus captured the Etruscan city of Veii, which was under siege for 10 years. After that, he was accused of unfair division of loot. Considering these accusations unfair, Camillus went into self-imposed exile in the city of Ardea. In the Gallic sack, traditionally dated to 390 BCE but often placed in 387/386 BCE, Rome was invaded by the Gauls under their leader Brennus. It is believed that at this time the Roman Republic was on the verge of destruction. In the Roman literary tradition, Camillus was invited to return from exile and lead the fight against the Gauls. Camillus was appointed dictator. He gathered troops in the allied cities and the remnants of the Roman army in Veii and drove the Gauls out of Rome. Soon after, the Roman army led by Camillus finally defeated the Gallic army. After the defeat of the Gauls, some of the Plebeians decided to move from the devastated Rome to Veii. Camillus urged them not to do this, but rather to take an active part in the restoration of destroyed Rome. Taking the side of the Patricians in their constant struggle with the Plebeians, Camillus, however, persuaded them to make certain concessions to the Plebeians. Later, the Roman army under the leadership of Camillus waged successful wars with the Equi, Volscians and Latins. When the Gauls again invaded Rome, Camillus was again appointed dictator in 367 BC. e. The Romans under his command defeated the Gauls at the Battle of Alba. Two years later, Camillus died of the plague during an epidemic.
Marcus Furius CamillusMilitary tradition associates Camillus with changes to shields, helmets and fighting methods. Plutarch describes iron helmets, strengthened shield edges and the use of shafted weapons against Gallic swords. This is an account written centuries after the events, not a surviving order issued by Camillus.
Livy compares round and oblong shields, the phalanx and manipular formations. He places the introduction of soldiers’ pay during the war against Veii, before its capture in 396 BCE. These accounts do not establish one precisely dated “Camillan reform”.
Roman equipment and organisation changed gradually. Attributing every development to one commander remains a traditional interpretation; the chronology of the scutum, pilum and manipular formation requires separate consideration.
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Literature and sources
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