A. The end of the javelin (pilum) was made of hard metal that had a soft iron shaft so that it would bend on impact and was therefore impossible to remove.
H. Crested helmet identified army leaders such as a centurion.
2
B. The rectangular shield (scutum) weighed about 10 kg and was made of three sheets of wood and leather.
C. Sword (gladius) was about 60 cm long and was used for stabbing rather than slashing.
D. Leather strips indicated the rank of the soldier.
G. Dagger (pugio)
E.
Sandals were ventilated and also had iron studs nailed into the sole to make them strong enough to last long marches.
F. Metal greaves protected lower legs and shins.
Fig 2.7 A Roman soldier.
3. Roman enemies
The Romans had many enemies throughout their empire. The Gauls of France and Belgium were a very powerful tribe and in 390 BC they managed to capture Rome itself. Eventually Julius Caesar (100–44 BC) defeated the Gauls in France and captured their leader Vercingetorix at the Battle of Alesia.