Roman military equipment

Roman military equipment included durable weapons and protective gear designed for versatility and efficiency. Soldiers, or legionaries, carried short swords called gladii for close combat, and large rectangular shields named scuta for defense. They wore metal helmets (galea), armor (lorica segmentata or chainmail), and greaves to protect their legs. For ranged attacks, they used javelins (pilum) that could pierce shields and armor. The equipment facilitated disciplined formation fighting, enabling Roman legions to adapt to various battlefield conditions. Overall, their gear combined metallurgy, tactical design, and mobility, making the Roman army a formidable and organized fighting force.