Lethal war machine: Weapons and armour of the Roman legions

A group of reenactors dressed as Roman legionaries stand in formation with red shields and military standards, appearing to engage in a drill or ceremony at an outdoor historical event.
Roman legion with standard. Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/gladiators-in-battle-formation-12479524/

Roman legionaries were professional soldiers recruited from Roman citizens who served in the ancient Roman army.

 

They served for a minimum of 20 years, with the promise of land and other benefits upon completion of their service. 

 

After that, legionaries were organised into legions, which were units of around 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers commanded by a legate, with each legion consisting of smaller units called cohorts and centuries. 

 

The Roman legionaries were some of the most powerful and well-trained warriors in history, feared and respected by their enemies. 

 

They were known for their well-designed weapons and armour that gave them an edge in battle. Also, these arms enhanced their effectiveness in combat. 

Weapons


Pilum (spear)

The pilum was the main weapon of the Roman legionary. It was a javelin designed to be thrown at the enemy before engaging in hand-to-hand combat. 

 

It had a long, thin wooden shaft and an iron shank and tip, which were designed to bend upon impact.

 

This was meant to make it difficult for the enemy to remove from their shield or body. 

 

It weighed around 2kg and could be thrown up to 30 metres. 

 

When used well, this weapon disrupted the enemy's formation and created chaos, which allowed the legionaries to close in for the attack. 

A group of Roman legionaries in formation, wearing segmented armor (lorica segmentata), red tunics, and carrying spears and shields.
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/legion-roman-army-ancient-military-444126/

Gladius (sword)

The gladius was the quintessential Roman sword, used primarily for thrusting in close combat. 

 

It had a short, double-edged blade that was ideal for stabbing the enemy in the chest or abdomen. 

 

The hilt was made of wood or bone and fit snugly in the hand. This design gave the wielder excellent control.

A Roman gladius with a wooden hilt and a decorated scabbard lies on a red cloth.
Roman gladius. © History Skills

Spatha (another sword)

The spatha was a longer and heavier sword than the gladius. It was primarily used by cavalry and auxiliary troops, but also by legionaries in the later stages of the Roman Empire. 

 

The blade was longer and broader, making it ideal for slashing and cutting. It was more effective in open battle formations. 

A sword with a straight, double-edged blade, a wooden grip, and a distinctive pommel.
Roman sword. Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/army-military-soldier-man-guard-4361876/

Pugio (dagger)

The Pugio was a dagger that was carried by Roman soldiers as a backup weapon. 

 

It was used for close combat and for personal protection. The Pugio was a useful weapon, used for stabbing, slashing, and thrusting. 

 

It was often used alongside the gladius. This pairing let the legionary switch between the two weapons depending on the situation. 


Armour


Scutum (shield)

The scutum was the Roman shield and one of the most important pieces of armour used by the legionary. 

 

It was large and rectangular, made of layers of wood and covered with canvas or leather.

 

The edges were sometimes strengthened with iron or bronze to protect against damage and to enhance its strength. 

 

The shield weighed up to 10kg and had an intentional curved shape. This let the legionary hold it close to the body to provide excellent protection from incoming attacks. 

 

The Scutum locked together with the shields of other legionaries, which created an unbreakable wall that was difficult for the enemy to breach. 

The only known surviving example of the semicylindrical shield known as a scutum, used by Roman legionaries
Scutum. (mid-3rd century A.D.). Yale University Art Library, Item No. 1933.715. No copyright. Source: https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/5959

Galea (helmet)

The galea was a Roman helmet and was designed to provide maximum protection to the head and neck. 

 

It was made of metal and had an open face design which provided the legionary with excellent visibility in battle. 

 

The galea also had cheek guards and a neck guard that provided additional protection.

A Roman helmet with cheek guards, brass accents, and a red horsehair crest mounted on top, worn with segmented armor and a red scarf.
A modern replica of a Roman legionary helmet. © History Skills

Lorica segmentata (body armour)

The lorica segmentata was a type of Roman armour that was made of overlapping iron plates. 

 

It was one of the most effective types of armour used in the ancient world and provided excellent protection to the torso and shoulders. 

 

The lorica segmentata allowed the legionary to move freely in battle due to its design that allowed easy movement. 

A Roman lorica segmentata, a segmented plate armor used by legionaries, is displayed with brass fittings and leather straps.
Lorica segmentata. © History Skills