Units of History - The Exploratores: Scouts of the Roman Army DOCUMENTARY
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- Опубликовано: 12 мар 2021
- In this Units of History documentary, learn about the Exploratores and the Scouts of the Roman Army. The first 100 people to go to www.blinkist.com/invicta are going to get unlimited access for 1 week to try it out. You’ll also get 25% off if you want the full membership.
We continue to look at the most famous units of history from across ancient history. While previous episodes have focused on the combat roles of units like the Spartan Royal Guard or the Immortals, in this episode we look at the critical role a unit could play in the intelligence game.
The documentary begins with the early history of Rome and the relatively low level of its scouting needs whilst in familiar territory. However we show that as it expanded across Italy and in particular abroad, it quickly realized that a more robust system of scouting had to be established. What emerged was the Procursatores, a close screen of cavalry who fanned out ahead of the legions of Rome. We discuss the role of these troops when it comes to patrolling, pathfinding, and foraging.
However these troops could not cover all the needs of the Roman Army. What soon developed was another group of further range scouts and disruptors known as the Exploratores. We cover how they were used to report on the enemy, locate Roman army camps, and perform operations behind enemy lines.
Stay tuned for our next episode where we will discuss the spies and Speculatores who further added to Rome's impressive intelligence network that helped the Roman Legions become so successful. What Units of History do you want to see covered next?
Credits
Research: Chris Das Neves
Writing: Invicta
Narration: Guy Michaels
Artwork: Penta Limited
Editing: Penta Limited
Sources and Suggested Reading
The Roman Army by Adrian Goldsworthy
Roman Warfare by Adrian Goldsworthy
Intelligence Activities in Ancient Rome by Rose Mary Sheldon
Exploratio: Military & Political Intelligence in the Roman World from the Second Punic War to the Battle of Adrianople By N. J. E. Austin, N. B. Rankov
Spies and spying in Caesar’s “Bellum Gallicum” by Jane Crawford
The "Missing Dimension" of C. Julius Caesar by Amiram Ezov
The Scouts of the Late Roman Army and a Disputed Etymology by Philip Rance
#UnitsOfHistory
#Rome
#Scouts
Watch our next episode on the Spies of the Roman Army: ruclips.net/video/xpPY5yU9w7I/видео.html
Can you cover Napoleon’s Old Guard? That’d be pretty awesome to learn about their history and equipment!
Ahh yes, Dorus the Exploradorus.
XDXDXDXDXDXD
Ffs😂
Bruh, you owe me a mouthful of beer
Backpackus
Brilliant!
Your reports could basically be life or death for an entire army
so yeah, no pressure lmao
Lake Trasimene hmmmmm
@@nothingtoseeheremovealong598 Teutenbourg Forest
Carrhae too
If would have made 25% of the troops be scouts or paid the scouts more.
So my pressure would be that at least.
Planes have phones???
The scouts took the day off at the Battle of Lake Trasimene...
I see what you did there...
Every time Hannibal was on the fields, the scouts took a day off
And Cannae, Ticinus, Trebia...
I think it was less taking the day of and more the comanders going full "yeet" at the first sight of the carthagineans
🤣🤣🤣
I feel like the story of a unit of Roman scouts deep in enemy territory would make an incredible period piece movie
Totally agree!
Super excited to branch out into non-fighting units of history which were just as important to victory! What units of history should we cover next?
Barbarian chariots
Will we get one on the frumentarii?
continuation of "What if Ceasar lived?" maybe?
How about messengers and battlefield runners?
Perhaps an episode dedicated to Roman Engineers?
I loved being a scout for 10 years. Not alot has changed even with all the technology. Most people have no idea scouts still exist and/or have no idea what we do. Thx for the video
As an infantry scout I leaned that large formations of "enemy" soldiers don't really gaze around, they just plod on. On one exercise I was in fairly open area with little cover when I realized the enemy were nearby and the only place I could hide was in a tree. So I climbed the tree and watched an entire company walk past a few metres below my feet. If one of them had looked up they would have easily have seen me. But no one looked, so after they had passed I was able to evade them and get back to my own side.
What do u do and how if u dont mind me asking
@@Dave_Sisson where was that ?
In America it's Cavalry scouts but there Cavalry scouts in some Infantry battalions..
@@kousseilashakur672 It was a military training exercise in south eastern Australia, but I suspect the same thing could happen almost anywhere in the world
>Screened for skills and experience
After years of Roman study I can firmly state that this line can be translated to "wealthy enough to have your own horse and educated enough to take notes but not wealthy enough to carry heavy armor nor too important to lose in the field"
Good to see scouts getting some re ognition. All we hear is about romans is either how great their engineering was,admirable their discipline was, or how shit their cavalry was. Not to mention politics of course.
some of the most famous Roman defeats was because they didn't scout properly lol
They don't like scouting except for Caesar, so people didn't bother either.
That is because they were excellent at engineering and they had probably the best infantry of the ancient world, so that's what everyone talks about.
I'm actually baffled they made a video praising the scouts, because every historian agrees that Romans were exceptionally BAD at scouting... Many of their worst defeats are linked to scouting mistakes.
@@FKaps16 Don't forget their shit politics
@@ktheterkuceder6825 I wouldn't go that far as to call them shit. Obviously not perfect, but the Republic had one of the most advanced political systems of the time.
And in terms of law, they were way ahead of its time. Roman Law still serves as foundation on all Western countries.
Last time i was this early there was no salt in Carthage
Carthago delenda est
You should take that story with a grain of sailt
@@eedwardgrey2 ah yes *sailt*
@@WraithLK I love sprinkling sailt on my food
@@CallMeMark231 hey cato the elder want your location mate 😂😂😂💀
I think it's really fascinating that such a vital role of the army was filled by common soldiers, auxiliaries even. The top of the command structure and other key positions were usually filled by aristocrats, and yet here we see ordinary men advise aristocrats on what path to take. This just proves once more that the success of a campaign depended less on the high-ranking politicians than they would have liked everyone to believe. I find it surprising though that the procursatores and exploratores were seemingly chosen at random and were not a distinct, elite unit. I mean sure, the video mentions that there were some characteristics procursatores and explorates had to possess and were selected for, but I still wonder how accurately they could relay the information. Did they even know how much water and food the army consumed each day, so that they wouldn't accidentally recommend a path where the logistics failed and the army started to suffer from attrition?
A really interesting video for sure, can't wait for the next one! Keep up the great work :)
Giving the troops recognition of their work is surely a reason Caesar's legions were so loyal. He didn't take all the glory. At least from my understanding.
I guess they probably picked those who had experience in hunting, tracking, though how could you know about those things for every soldier. And like they said Casear usually sent out Germanic and Galic cavalry which were natives to the lands where his most famous campaign happened.
@@ChunkyWalnutX Yeah, using allies that were familiar with the terrain surely helped, although then you were always running the risk of them betraying you and possibly luring you into an ambush. I suppose it's a double-edged sword; if your allies proved loyal then using them as procursatores and exploratores was definitely worth it, but if they didn't prove loyal then the entire army was at risk.
@@totodilesquad3890 I guess the procursatores would be even more useful if the exploratores did turn-coat - having scouts scouting your scouts lol
I guess that's because, even if their job was vital, at face value it wasn't rocket science. It was like: Dude, go in THAT direction and tell me what is there, pay special attention to (whatever was of interest at the moment) and come back to report in X hours/days.
After their report the commanders made the decisions. I mean, it's explained pretty well in the video.
Can you made video about....
Auxillia Palatinae Guard, The Successor and the most loyal Guard in Roman History.
Why dont you focus on the sorry state of the mother land, Comrade?
Yessss
@wulpurgis Just an admirer
I agree with you.
I find the late Roman army to be kind of fascinating, and the elite Auxillia Palatina units especially.
Because for so long, we all tended to think of the late Roman army as a objective downgrade from the Imperial Legions, but if it weren't for them, the Roman Empire would've fallen centuries before they did.
And if the Auxillia Palatina units were supposed to be their elite infantry units, they must've been fairly good.
I *loved* this episode. This like logistics, reconnaissance, and other non-combat parts of an army's life is quite scarce in this kind of videos and I always deeply appreciate learning more about it.
And this one was excellently researched and narrated. I learned a lot I had no idea about.
The scouts were on vacation during the battle of Adrianople
@Marcelo Henrique Soares da Silva Adrianople shouldn't even had been a thing. Moronic officers messed up.
@@miguelmontenegro3520 Lmao, they fed the Goths dog meat, one dog for one child sold into slavery.
@Marcelo Henrique Soares da Silva there’s no medicine for Ignorance!
Next: nubian archers and mongol kheshigs.
Kheshigs has already been done in brief by kng. But yeah a more detailed video would be nice.
Do the axumite empire
@@indridcole7596 not much known about them
cretan archers
an finally will work down to the occupations of the wagon trains that trailed the legions - not just the teamsters but also the women and their occupational role
Last time I was this early Cro-Magnon government issued a patent for fire.
I’m stealing this line
Best thing minister Buga ever did.
ah, it was an overrated development - look at the mess it lead to
This job seems like a fun and exciting mini adventure within the scope of the army campaign. Just you and a handful of other soldiers on horseback roaming around the countryside taking notes and interacting with locals then moving on to the next area and occasionally sending out riders to report back to the army.
I would have signed up
Definitely beats forced marches, hauling equipment around, and building a new camp every night.
Yessss
Probably a lot of avoiding and hiding from enemy, and if they came into contact it would have been them vs a major enemy force
Still true with recon units today. It's less going on an casual walk through the countryside and more trying to avoid and hide from enemy patrols, and if you came into contact then God help you. In Vietnam the LRRP (long range reconaisance patrol) units would perform reconnaisance in Vietcong territory. Their casualty rate was 100%. Wouldn't want to imagine being a scout before automatic firearms where a small team could somewhat match the firepower of a large group
The scouts took their paid sick leave day at lake Trasimene...
Hannibal's scouts had just got a promotion and a raise haha
“Just to be sure, there’s absolutely NO ambush lying in wait just up ahead right?”
“Yeah yeah yeah definitely checked it out myself yeah yeah yeah.”
Or Teutoburg forest.
@@renaudtheis1197 it was wet and scary and they didn’t have their lunch break yet.
@@jakedominguez118 never trust anyone that answers "yeah, yeah, yeah..."
Great episode. It's pretty awesome that 1700 years later the British army was using professional Native American scouts, my ancestors - who were also used as elite auxiliaries.
nothing more fun than talking logistics and scouting. the secret sauce to success
This word, Exploradores, is still used in Portuguese. It literally means "explorers". In 2 thousand years the only change to the word was that the "T" became a "D"
In spanish too
brasileiro ta em toda a parte mesmo ne mano
That’s the origin of the word explorers, so English also has it
@@CABOOSEBOB and spanish and maybe french idk
'Exploradora' is the Spanish equivalent, and that's how Dora the Explorer was named
I've always liked Reconnaissance units. So much appreciated for sharing this bit of history on the Roman variety!
Due to the topic this was one of my most anticipated episodes and due to the presentation, information and overall quality it is my most satisfying and favorite to date, thank you!!!
This video helped me plan some D&D sessions for one of my players who wanted to be a "scout". Gave me ideas besides sneak and look for people. Great video as always.
great great content, thankyou for all the incredible work.
I've been looking forward to this one since you first teased it
This is one of those videos I'm looking forward to. Since I'm a military scout myself. I'm quite surprised that most if not all of these things is still relevant in modern times. It makes it much easier for me to explain myself on things I do during my military service without being too nitty-gritty with the details on this.
Right on bud! Army, USMC, foreign military? Just asking cuz I’m American. I’m a RETIRED cavalryman now
Super pumped. Been waiting for this video since the announcement!
I love that you guys cover more niche aspects of Roman history. I loved your food one.
I love these videos detailing specific units from ancient times.
Unbelievably epic. Both the topic and the video.
This is amazing content. I came from Kings and generals and this is on par which is a big shout. I wasn’t aware of these unique units and their purpose. Love your use of pictures as well. Good work guys
Great exploration of the subject! ⚔️🏹
I'm strangely excited about this video.
This is great material! Keep up the good work!
Great video! Thank you so very much.
Another fantastic video! Thank you for making it!! :)
The art for this episode is outstanding! Kudos to the artists.
Excited to see the incredible art you've got now
Very interesting, this is another aspect of the Roman army often overlooked but critically important!
Wow, that was fascinating. Thanks alot for making this.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Congratulations
Exploratores were true survivalists , imagine in times of alexander , this type of troop conquererd the enemy desert long befor the main body of the army .
I dont think i could ever sleep soundly sleeping in enemy territory in alexanders army.
@@rpavangchhia8953 Ha? What exactly you talking about?
One of the most vital portions of any army, and often the most overlooked. Respect to em all from all eras and sides.
Excellent video. Thank you
I learned something new thanks. And also a tortoise approves of this video
A testudo?
@@Hermenie no more like minor details and btw these videos are probably made to help you learn
You should make a Units of History episode about the Late Roman Auxilia Palatina units.
Because I've become fascinated with how the Late Roman army, which a lot of people look at as a downgrade from the Imperial Legions we all associate with the Romans, when in reality, it helped hold the Roman Empire together for several more centuries than it would've otherwise.
Finally i was waiting for such video a long time !
One of your best yet
A great voice for narrating this type of historical content. :)
Very informative video with beautiful art and animation.
Thank you. This was a topic I have been interested in for a long time.
Will you also publish a video on the Sagittarii, the archers of the Roman legions?
Informative and interesting, thanks!
love this video .Im a fan of military mangas so this channel is a good fit for me.Never seen anyone breakdown recon before tho. Exellent video.
The content is great! This and the Roman supply lines doc are my recent favourites.
The artwork is amazing too, any chance I could my hands on them,I would like to have them as my wallpaper. :)
Nicely informative video. Can't wait for the video on Roman Army spies.
Channel is getting pretty sophisticated good job
Awesome artworks and art style in this video 🤌🏻
Awesome idea, loved it. Great script writer!
Amazing video.
Beautiful artwork! Wow!
It’s always nice to you trying a new genre of entertainment! A comedy! I love it!
Top notch ! Good job♥️
fascinating - I'd never considered this in depth before
Loved this episode!!
Great video, loved the info
Awesome as always
one of the better videos recently. more stuff like this
EXCELLENT HISTORICAL VIDEO
Invicta is an amazing chanel. Best narrator.
4:50 "Nobody's a pathfinder until they've 'pathfound' something"
- Foster "My-face-is-tired-from-everything" Addisson
Very nice. Thank you.
The artwork & animations look amazing
Top notch, world class narration! 😀
Randomly came across your channel. Delighted I did, love every vid I watched
You stated that ammianius marcellianus stated that explotaroes would ve out up to 30km or so, can i ask where abouts this was.
Aye I spot that “Storm Before the Storm” from Mike Duncan during the Blinkest ad. I hope everyone watching this channel is subscribed to his podcasts
Love the History of Rome Podcast so damn much
Never stop making these please!
Great video. I've only ever read about these scouts in books, but I've never seen a video about them before.
The art style is awesome. Good job.
Great video!
Great video! Very interesting.
So much for knowledge on Roman scouts
Well done illustrations,, not overly do be but well done for time used. Interesting and seemingly well researched info
Great video these were the first Recce platoons. Good to know where my service roots came from. Time spent on reconasens is never wasted.
Really enjoy the art as well as the great info
This channel is glorious!
Excellent video
Thank you for your work 😇
Very good vid……thank you.
The British Army used Exploratory Officers in much the same role. These men were usually high ranking officers mounted on thorough bred and corn fed horses riding in full uniform behind enemy lines. Lieutenant-Colonel Colquhoun Grant was one of the more famous ones during the Peninsula War from 1808-1814. Was captured by the French sent to Paris under Parole but later escaped and passed himself off as an American while at large in PAris.
Excellent stuff
Great graphics!
one of the most interesting videos. Scouts dont get much recognition but this is good.
A+ as always.
Awesome. Very cool
I didn't know this thank you for the history lesson
My father was a Combat Infantry Scout serving General Patton’s 3rd Army. Dad was awarded the Silver Star for the Battle of Metz. These scouts were a volunteer unit under G2.
Excellent
Fascinating, I'm getting an Assassin's Creed plus Call of Duty vibe with this.
Great video