Learn about the military equipment typical of Rome's armies.
The strength of Rome was directly dependent on its military supremacy, and fundamentally militaristic society.
Regular citizens, comprised mostly of farmers and herders, joined to protect their land and families.
In return for their service, members of this civic army were allowed to vote.
Trained to be highly disciplined and obedient to superior officers, citizen-soldiers developed a deep sense of loyalty to their city.
The quality of the armor of a Roman foot soldier was intrinsically linked to his social status and wealth. Chainmail was the most commontly used type of armor. Scale armor, made famous in today's media, came into use after Caesar's time.
Foot soldiers carried large and oblong shields, while the cavalry used smaller ones of Greek origin.
Soldiers were expected to carry their own kit, including the tools required for the construction of forts and tents.
Roman soldiers used the same types of weapons. The stomach and face were the most targeted parts of the body. As such, a legionary was equipped with two close-combat weapons: a dagger and a short sword known as a gladius.
One of the most ingenicus Roman weapons was the javelin. Its pyramid-shaped tip pierced the body, while its iron shank was designed to break upon impact, stopping the enemy from throwing it back.
During their conquests the Romans regularly transformed enemy technologies to add to their own formidable arsenal.
After capturing a Carthaginian vessel, the Romans adopted its better features and constructed a superior fleet of ships.
Adapting heavy artillery designs from Greek modeis aided the Romans in building catapults and ballistae. The latter became an iconic symbol of Roman warfare.