A Closer Look:
THE ROMAN ARMY Aquila Eagle
Pilus
Spear
Battle Gear
An eagle, representative of the Roman army. Always carried by the “aquilafer,” or “eagle-bearer.”
Scutum
Gladius
Sword
Shield
A wooden or metal surface used to protect the soldier from other swords, spears, or weapons of war.
Cassis
Pugio
SPQR
Suicide Dagger A short dagger kept on the soldier at all times to be used to commit suicide during battle if needed.
Bearskin
Worn by the standard bearer for the Roman legion. It was the mission of all members of the legion to protect the standard bearer at all costs, as he carried the Roman signum, or standard.
signum
Roman Standard
Helmet Worn, usually adorned with horsehair in roman fashion, by soldiers in combat to protect from swords of the enemy. A helmet without the plume was called a galea.
Battle Formations Of the Roman Legion
PRIMA ACIES:
4 Cohorts wide. Comprised of the most experienced solders.
The Roman Legion Centuria
The Century, 60 soldiers
Manipulus
The Maniple, 120 soldiers
The Roman Legion was very systematic in nature, in the sense that every piece was broken up into smaller, more organized pieces. Every legion had a first cohort that was slightly bigger than the rest, which also encompassed the cooks, musicians, animal caretakers and non-military men of the Roman army. Each legion also had a Primus Pilus, a Centurion, a Legionary, and a Camp Prefect.
Cohors
SECUNDA ACIES:
3 Cohorts wide. The semi-experienced soldiers usually fought here.
TERTIA ACIES:
The Cohort, 360 soldiers
3 Cohorts wide. The least-experienced soldiers usually fought here.
The Legion
The Legion, 3600 soldiers
ACIES TRIPLEX