The Roman helmet, known as the Galea, was a vital piece of protective gear for the military of Rome. Not only did it provide an excellent defense on the battlefield, but it also served as a symbol of identity, rank, and achievements within the military hierarchy. The Roman helmet’s strategic design and remarkable construction made …
From gladius and spatha to scorpio and ballista, the Roman Empire, at the height of its power, utilized a wide range of weapons, both for offense and defense. Roman weapons were a crucial part of the Roman military’s success and dominance over their adversaries for centuries. These weapons, along with the highly disciplined and organized …
Name Origin of Name Time of Creation I Adiutrix pia fidelis Assistant, i.e. raised to supplement the legionary strength Nero I Italica Raised in Italy Nero I Macriana Raised by Clodius Macer Nero I Flavia Minervia After Minerva Domitian I Parthica Raised for campaigns in the East Severus II Adiutrix pia fidelis Assistant, i.e. raised …
The fighting equipment and dress of the auxilia present a very complicated picture. Not only were there changes from time to time, but most of the units were differently equipped from the beginning. The only literary description which has survived is from the time of Hadrian about the army in the east. The armoured cavalry …
The Recruit of the Republican Armybefore the Reforms of Marius War offered the Roman citizen of the republic the possibility of returning covered in glory, having won both land and money. To the Romans of the early republic serving in the legion and war itself were the same thing. For Rome had no army unless …
The Men from the Ranks The main supply for the centurionate of the legions came from the ordinary men from the ranks of the legion. Though there was a significant number of centurions from the equestrian rank. Some of the late emperors of the empire prove very rare examples of ordinary soldiers who rose all …