How did Rome feed it's army in the field?

Answer 1

The Romans were supremely organized in all they did. Literacy was encouraged, and in the Roman armies nearly half their troops may have been capable of reading and writing. This was important because about five percent of a Roman army consisted of technicians, clerks, and supply specialists. These troops received extra pay and/or exemption from manual labor so they could keep track of what supplies the army had on hand, how long these would last, and where new supplies were coming from. A Roman army kept records, lots of records. There were lists for everything, including how much of each soldiers' pay (and Roman troops were generally paid on time) was to be deducted for food, clothing, weapons, and burial expenses, not to mention the annual party. When any of these items were needed, the Roman army clerks had it available. The Romans built a network of roads (some still in use) throughout their empire to speed the movement of troops and supplies. All cities and many towns had military purchasing agents who received reports from the army detailing how much food, shoes (hob nailed sandals), weapons, and other supplies and were they were to be delivered. The army commanders had finance officers who arranged for suppliers to be paid promptly, thus encouraging timely and accurate fulfillment of military contracts.


The Romans knew how much food (by weight and cost) their troops would consume each day. Their army clerks kept daily records of how many troops were with each unit. Army purchasing agents kept track of what supplies were available in their area, and how much of it was for sale and for how much. Paper reports were carried up and down the Roman roads to keep everyone informed of who needed what and when. The Romans usually managed to control the sea lanes also, and would rent, buy or build the shipping they needed for each campaign.

The Roman system wasn't perfect. Money problems, enemy action, or communications foul ups would sometimes leave the troops lacking key items. But when compared to their opponents, the Romans were much better off. Roman opponents were either barbarians, who stole what they could find in the areas they passed through, or ill organized kings who at best made haphazard arrangements.

The Logistics of the Roman Army at War (264 B.C. - A.D.235)
by Jonathan P. Roth is well worth a read if you're really interested in this subject. Relying on a variety of literary, documentary and archaeological sources, this work explores the Roman military supply system from the Punic Wars to the end of the Principate. Each chapter is devoted to a different aspect of logistics: supply needs and rations; packs, trains and military servants; foraging and requisition; supply lines; sources of supply; administration; and the impact of logistics on Roman warfare.
As a whole the book traces the development of the Roman logistics into a highly sophisticated supply system - a vital element in the success of Roman arms. In addition, it makes a critical study of important technical questions of Roman logistics, such as the size of the soldier's grain ration, the function of military servants, and the changes in logistical management under the Republic and Empire.

Answer 2

Each maniple (8 men) had a daily ration of grain and other foods. On the march they were expecte to cook for themselves. In camp there was a central cook house.
In the field the Legions carried their own food, roughly 2 weeks worth (that was the minimum provided by law). Anything they captured went towards resplenishing the supplies. In theory the legions were supplied by shipments of food from central stores, but IMO that was only possible in a static campaign (like a siege)

Answer 3

I believe they brought a small amount of food with them, and then they foraged and plundered the villages along their journey. Most of the armies of those times, were walking as mode of transportation , so they had to travel light. They had the right to by Roman law to take anything they needed from any Roman citizen.

Answer 4

Mostly scavenged. It is because of the Romans that the rule for army personnel taking off their hats in a mess came about. If the Romans had their hats off, then they were using them to cook in, so therefore were not ready for battle

Answer 5

cp might be right! I know they didn't send out for pizza!