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.

To turn a legionary soldier around and see his armour and weapons from all sides follow this link.

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.

To turn this legionary soldier around and see his armour and weapons from all sides follow this link.

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