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The Roman Army In Caerleon King Arthur Parish Records Directories History Index Home

Roman Legionary Soldiers

Roman legionary soldier with his sword and shield

 

 

 

 

Only Roman citizens could sign up for the army.

They had to be fit.

They were not allowed to marry.

Their armour gave them excellent protection.

They carried a curved shield. They could punch the enemy with the metal boss in the centre.

 

 

Roman legionary soldier with his shield and javelin

 

 

 

 

 

 

In battle they would first throw their special spear, called a pilum.

Then they would draw their swords and stab from behind the safety of their shields.

They were very disciplined. Orders had to be obeyed.

A centurion was in charge of eighty of these men.

 

 

Roman soldier with the equipment he would carry when on the march

 

 

 

 

 

 

They could march twenty miles a day carrying heavy equipment - and then build a camp for the night!