Though our study of the Latin language in Ms. Wright's class, we gain insight into one of the most successful empires ever seen on the face of the earth. The Romans conquered many lands, and their culture can be seen in many of those places. In most, the language remains. In others, architecture. Because of their vast empire, samples of Roman writing can be found in many places, making reading original texts possible. We can see into their world, in the days of the Etruscan kings, the years of the Senate, or even the last days of the Empire itself. But this would not be possible without the victories of the legions. It was through them that many lands were brought into the empire, and because of them that culture and language were absorbed.
While in class, we read about what the Roman army was like; we never had the chance to actually "see" what it was like. Actually seeing armor on a living person was very exciting. The presentation put on by Andy Volpe of the Higgins Armory made the Roman Legions seem so much more real. Not only that, but there is much that you can understand in person that cannot be conveyed in a book (at least by most authors).
One example would be the spear. We learned how the spear was not only useful as a throwing weapon. Once it had hit an enemy's shield, it made the shield unstable by bending and hooking into the shield itself. If the spear had missed any target, it would stick in the ground and impede the enemy's movement. The speaar is only one of the Romans' tools that made them such a successful fighting force. The Miles explained details, such as how the helmet was made to protect every part of the head and neck. When he had explained all the equipment, we learned about the Romans' tactics in battle. Even a thing as simple as drawing your gladius was important, and had to be done in a specific way to ensure the entire army's safety.
After viewing the presentation on the Roman army, all of the Latin classes have a deeped understanding of how the Romans did what they did. While reading Caesar, I know that I will have a better feel for what he is writing about, and what it was like to be in his Legion.