Quote Originally Posted by Dux Corvanus
What I won't concede is that Rome conquered its Empire by sheer luck.

The truth is: they used superior tactics, and had a better organization. Besides, the common legionaire worked not as an individual warrior, but as a disciplined piece in a complex system.
Of course the Romans didn't form an empire out of sheer luck, but luck was certainly on their side.

Sometimes the Romans used superior tactics, but other times they did not. Sometimes the Romans were so cunningly outwitted or simply outfought that their legions were wiped out.

As for the Roman soldier being a single piece in an integral system; of course! Like with any disciplined fighting force, the discipline, not the man-for-man capability, is what won the day. It was said of the Spartans that fighting alone a Spartan wasn't a better soldier than any other, but in formation he had no equal.

Excellent logistics, luck, a solid system of military organization and recruitment, as well as a drive to conquer led Rome to become an empire.