WARRIORS

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Roman Legionary — The Professional Heavy Infantry of the Roman Empire

Learn more fascinating facts about equipment, training, salary, and formations of the deadliest soldiers of the Ancient world — the legionaries.

Considered the deadliest heavy infantry ever produced in the history of humankind, Roman Legionary is a legendary soldier who created one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen — the Roman empire. Roman legionary was well-trained, well-equipped, and efficiently led. One of the rarely mentioned advantages was that Roman legionaries were well-fed. It is difficult to win battles on an empty stomach!

Roman Legionary — equipment

Armor or lorica segmentata was consisting of metal strips, fastened to internal leather straps. Romans were able to mass-produce such armor. It was perfect for deflecting arrows and swords.

Shield or scutum was made out of plywood and leather. It was oval-shaped and rectangular, more than 1 meter high. Used primarily for protection, but it could serve also as a weapon.

Helmet or cassis was made out of bronze and protected the whole head. It was decorated with horsehair or feathers.

A short sword or gladius was the primary weapon of choice. Ideal for stabbing and slashing was especially effective in close combat.

Javelin or pilum was around 2 meters long, with a metal tip and with a weighted end. Javelin was hurled into the enemy and it had a devastating effect on the opponent. Experienced legionaries could hit the enemy, which was 20 meters away.

Each legionary carried 2 javelins to throw at the enemy.

Sandals or caligae were made out of leather and had hardened soles. They were designed for air to circulate around the feet and reduce the risk of blisters during marching. Legion could march 25 miles (40 km) a day.

Roman Legionary — length of service and salary

In 13 BC, Emperor Augustus increased the standard term from 10 to 16 years and 4 years in reserves. In 5 AD, the standard term was increased to 20 years and 5 years in reserves.

Roman legionary was professional soldier. He was paid 20 denarii a month, if he was lucky and he made it to the Praetorian guard (=personal guard of the emperor), he would earn 60 denarii. Centurions would earn 300 denarii per month.

Once he retired he would receive praemia. This meant 3000 denarii and a plot of good farmland. Additionally, soldiers were allowed to keep part of war booty and sell captured enemies as slaves. Each time a new emperor took power, soldiers would get substantial donations.

In the time of Julius Ceaser, a loaf of bread cost 0.25 denarii, a cow 200 denarii, a male slave 500 denarii, and small farm 25.000 denarii.

Roman Legionary — training

Roman Legionary was well trained fighting machine. His life was dedicated to war. In between the battles, roman legionary built roads, served as local police, and trained.

Young legionary started their training with marching. Roman legion could march for 40 km a day while a legionary was carrying up to 45 kg of equipment.

Marching would give them endurance and discipline.

Under the supervision of doctore (military officer in charge of training) young legionary would use a wooden sword or rudis and a wicker shield to learn how to stab and slash at the opponent. The wooden sword was much heavier than the real gladius.

Basic training took 4 months. But Roman legionary trained their whole life. They trained in battle formations and hand-to-hand combat.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking