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 who served in the ancient Roman army. They were recruited from Roman citizens and served for a minimum of 20 years, with the promise of land and other benefits upon completion of their service.

 

Legionaries were organized into legions, which were units of around 5,000 to 6000 soldiers commanded by a legate, with each legion consisting of smaller units called cohorts and centuries.

 

The Roman legionaries were some of the most formidable and disciplined warriors in history, feared and respected by their enemies.

 

They were renowned for their well-designed weapons and armor that gave them an edge in battle.

 

In this article, we will explore the complete guide to the weapons and armor used by the Roman legionaries.

Weapons


Pilum (spear)

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

 

The pilum had a long, thin shaft made of wood, and an iron shank and tip that was designed to bend upon impact, making it difficult for the enemy to remove from their shield or body.

 

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

 

This weapon disrupted the enemy's formation and created chaos, allowing 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, giving the wielder excellent control and maneuverability.

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, and 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 versatile weapon, used for stabbing, slashing, and thrusting.

 

It was often used alongside the gladius, allowing the legionary to 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 armor used by the legionary.

 

It was a large rectangular shield made of layers of wood and covered with a layer of canvas or leather. The edges were sometimes reinforced with iron or bronze to protect against damage and enhance durability.

 

The shield weighed up to 10kg and was curved, allowing the legionary to hold it close to the body and provide excellent protection from incoming attacks.

 

It interlocked with the shields of other legionaries, creating an impenetrable 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 providing the legionary with excellent visibility in battle.

 

The helmet 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 armor and was made of overlapping iron plates.

 

It was one of the most effective types of armor used in the ancient world, providing excellent protection to the torso and shoulders.

 

The armor allowed the legionary to move freely in battle due to its flexible design.

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