Roman Legionary Equipment

• What was Lorica segmentata?

  Lorica segmentata was plate armour consisting of horizontal metal bands that covered the torso, as well as vertical metal bands protecting the shoulders.
• What was the Lorica segmentata used for?

  • Provided excellent protection against projectiles, which would be turned away, and some protection from slashing sword blows. Was also very flexible, allowing the soldier to twist his body.

  • However, the fittings that held the bands together were easily

  damaged; as a result, this type of armour was in constant need of

  repair.
• What was a gladius?

  Roman sword made out of iron, used for fighting enemies at close quarters. Mostly used for stabbing and can be used to defend against incoming blows.
• What was a cassis?

  A bronze Roman helmet made of separate pieces, that cover the cheeks, but doesn't impinge peripheral vision. Protected the head from projectiles and gave some protection from blows from handheld weapons.

  • Horsehair plumes were a common flourish – they may have intimidated the enemy by making the warrior seem taller.
• What was a scutum?

  A Roman shield made from plywood, leather and metal. Over a metre in length, the scutum was curved, offering good protection from a range of angles, if the soldier tucked himself behind it.

  • The scutum included a metal knob in the middle, which could be used to punch enemies, knocking them off-balance, making them vulnerable to a follow-up attack from the gladius.
• What was a pilum?

  A Roman javelin with a wood shaft and a weighted iron tip. Thrown at the start of a battle – intended to kill or injure the frontline of the enemy as they advanced towards the Roman army. Fallen warriors on the ground would then trip-up those who came behind.

  • The tip was designed to bend after it had been thrown. This

  prevented the enemy from picking them up and throwing them back.

  • Also, if it pierced a shield, it would bend and be difficult to pull out,

  making the shield totally useless.
• What was a sporran?

  An apron of leather strips which provided some additional protection to the groin and upper thighs.
• Why the Roman legionaries use a dagger?

  Legionaries would use a 20-25cm dagger as a last resort weapon. It would also be used for day-to-day cutting.
• Why did Roman soldiers carry a pack of supplies?

  It would not be worn in battle, but asoldier would carry it with him on campaign. It included 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 around their camp.