The basic equipment of a Roman soldier was: Cassis - helmet Lorica Segmentata - armour Focale and cingulum - scarf and tunic worn under armour Gladius - sword, 18-24 in. long Pilum (plural pila) - medium-length throwing spear Scutum - shield Red Battle Cloak Caligae or military boots

Soldiers moved from one place to another by marching. Life for soldiers on the move was very hard. At the end of a day's march they had to build a camp.

Each soldier carried a his kit (equipment on a pole. He had spare clothes, food rations, a cooking pot, a short spade, a handmill for grinding corn and two wooden stakes to help build a protective fence (palisade).

Scutum- shield

On the left side of the soldier's body was his trusty shield (scutum). It was a semi-circular shield, designed so that any missiles thrown at the soldier would be deflected to one side. This would mean less effort by the soldier would be needed to defend himself.

Caligae - Boots (Sandals)

Roman boots were made of several thicknesses of leather, studded with conical hobnails for marching over rough ground and using on the enemy when he had fallen.

The metal studs on the soles helped prevent the leather wearing down quickly.

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Visit the weapons page for more equipment

Label the Roman Soldier

Dress a Roman soldier (external website)