“Si vis pacem, para bellum; If you want peace, prepare for war” Publius Flavius ​​​​Vegetius Renatus Throughout known history, civilization has been constantly changing, improving and evolving, creating great works, civic projects and institutions. Some societies in history have achieved greater progress than others, but none could match the greatness of the ancient Greeks and Romans. With their intertwined histories, it's difficult to discuss one without mentioning the other. Indeed, much of Roman culture was heavily influenced by the Greeks, whose societies were eventually dominated by the Romans. While drawing on aspects of Greek culture, the Romans inevitably shaped their society in ways that are distinctly Roman, and none more distinct than in their method of warfare. Starting with Greek hoplite warfare, we will see how the Romans adopted Greek principles of warfare. and have evolved their strategy to address new and emerging challenges. From improving their tactics, to advancements in armaments, to creating a standing army of professional soldiers, we will see how Rome's army evolved in ways that the Greeks could not compete with and would eventually succumb to. We will see the rise of the deadliest institution in Roman society, the Roman army. Ancient Greece has a long history dating back to around 3000 BC, but it is with the beginning of the polis in the Hellenic age around 800 BC that we see a more organized institution and form of government. With several poleis throughout the Greek world, each polis cultivated the surrounding countryside to provide food for their society. Sometimes a conflict arose between different poleis over territorial disputes, and a battle... middle of paper... influenced by one of the greatest military forces in history, the Roman war machine. Works Cited John Keegan, A History of Warfare (Vintage: Random House 1993 Xenophon, Hellenica IV.3.19 Carey, Allfree, Cairns, Warfare in the Ancient World (Pen and Sword Military 2005) John Lazenby, Hoplites: The Classical Greek Battle Experience ( London and New York: Routledge, 1991) Lazenby, The Spartan Army (Stackpole 1985) F.E. Adcock, The Roman Art of War under the Republic (New York: Barnes and Noble, 1960) Gabriel, Metz, From Sumer to Rome: The Military Capabilities of Ancient Armies (Praeger 1991) Livy, History of Rome XXXI.34.4O'Connell, The Roman Killing Machine (Autumn, 1988) Keppie, Making of the Roman Army (University of Oklahoma Press, 1998) Martin Van Creveld, Technology and war (Macmillan, Free Press, 1989)