Jesus of Nazareth

How did the mob that included the Roman soldiers react when Jesus identified Himself as "Jesus of Nazareth" (John 18:5)?
Those presumably nearest to Jesus “drew back and fell to the ground” (John 18:6).

What did Jesus then have to do?
Repeat Himself and insist that He is Jesus of Nazareth: Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He" (John 18:7-8).

Why did they draw back and fall to the ground and not believe Jesus the first time? And why had so many of Roman soldiers come?
To be lent that many Roman soldiers, the Jewish "chief priests" (John 18:3, see Judas Iscariot), if not the high priest himself, would have had to claim to the Roman governor that Jesus is a dangerous rebel leader whose band poses a grave threat. Hundreds of soldiers had come with "weapons" (John 18:3) expecting to battle dangerous rebels, not to make a simple arrest. Upon their arrival at the base of the Mount of Olives, said to be where the rebels are hiding out, they tell an unarmed man that they are after "Jesus of Nazareth" (John 18:5) and perhaps were about to ask him if he has seen this rebel leader and his band, when the man declares, “I am He" (John18:5), which so took them aback that "they drew back and fell to the ground" (John 18:6).

Did they see Jesus' disciples?
Yes: Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way” (John 18:8).

So why had Jesus gone "forward" (John 18:4) and identified Himself?
To let Himself be arrested but also to protect His disciples, that the saying might be fulfilled which He had spoken: “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none” (John 18:9).