December 7, 2019Roman Empire Organization of Roman legion in the Maniple and Cohort structures Best description of the maniple and cohort structure for a Roman legion that I’ve read can be found in Roman Soldier Operations […]
November 5, 2019October 28, 2019Roman Empire Pilum – javelin used by Roman Legionnaires. A Pilum (plural pila) was a javelin thrown by Roman Legionnaires to disrupt an enemy line moments before closing for hand-to-hand contact. […]
September 23, 2019January 31, 2020Roman Empire Weaponry and armament of a Roman Legionnaire In case you are browsing through posts here instead of landing by internet search, here’s a recap of the posts on this […]
September 21, 2019January 31, 2020Roman Empire Galea – helmet worn by Roman Legionnaires. With a shield held in front of you, the most valuable and most exposed area to be protected is your head. Helmets […]
August 24, 2019October 14, 2019Roman Empire Attrition rate in Roman Legions. No, I’m not talking about losses in battle. Disease all the time, famine in bad times, and not quite enough food in […]
July 20, 2019January 31, 2020Roman Empire Lorica Segmentata and Lorica Hamata, body armor worn by Roman Legionaries. The body armor presented on a Roman Legionnaire, whether on ancient statues, modern re-enactors, or illustrations is usually the scaled plate armor […]
July 13, 2019August 3, 2019Roman Empire Caligae – the marching boots worn by Roman Legionnaires Legionnaires in the Roman army wore marching boots, called caligae (singular caliga). These may appear to be merely an open sandal. However, […]
July 6, 2019September 26, 2019Roman Empire Balteus or cingulum- belt worn by Roman Legionnaires. Pugio – dagger carried by soldiers. Roman soldiers would wear a belt around their waist. I have not seen much discussion on the purpose of the belt. It […]
April 9, 2019January 31, 2020Roman Empire Equipment of a Roman Legionnaire The clothing and weaponry of a Legionnaire in the Roman army are described in a series of posts. This fits well with […]
April 8, 2019April 27, 2022Roman Empire Gladius, sword used by Roman Legionnaires. Other edged weapons. The gladius is a short sword, about 2 feet long, used by soldiers in the Roman army. In the hands of trained […]