Roman armies in the Regal Period and early Republican Period were organized in the Hellenistic hoplite style. Because each citizen had to arm himself, Rome's citizens were divided by social standing and wealth to determine their place in the military and a person's position in society became strongly correlated with the military. The richest became the cavalry, while most people became infantry. The infantry were divided by how much armor they could afford with the most well to do becoming the most heavily armed while the poorest became light infantry and skirmishers.
This divisions also played a large role in the Roman government as these military divisions were also a method of voting, with the richer cavalry and heavy infantry having more say in the government. At this time participation in the military was only seasonal and there was no professional army. Instead, troops would be raised whenever there was a need.
This divisions also played a large role in the Roman government as these military divisions were also a method of voting, with the richer cavalry and heavy infantry having more say in the government. At this time participation in the military was only seasonal and there was no professional army. Instead, troops would be raised whenever there was a need.