How ancient armies, such as the Roman Legions, able to feed themselves during wartime campaigns?

Question

How ancient armies, such as the Roman Legions, able to feed themselves during wartime campaigns?

In: Other

Answer 1

Armies could:

1. create a supply line – a whole infrastructure. Food especially large quantities of grain is heavy – so river and sea lift is preferred.
2. forage – but that is finite
3. loot and pillage – but that is finite
4. It isn’t just food but water. Any sizable force can’t be watered from one well and would need a stream

A good read in Donald W. Engel’s excellent work, Alexander the Great and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army. It is not a dry read but it helps to know the basic outlines of Alexander’s campaigns against the Persian empire. The basics discussed largely apply until the advent of steam power.