the Roman legions

Roman legions were the primary military units of ancient Rome, composed of about 4,500 to 6,000 heavily armed infantry soldiers, known as legionaries. Each legion was organized into smaller groups called centuries and cohorts, allowing for flexible combat strategies. Legions were crucial for expanding and protecting the Roman Empire, renowned for their discipline, training, and engineering skills. They used a variety of weapons and tactics, contributing to their effectiveness in battle. The hierarchical structure and rigorous training of legions were key factors in Rome's military dominance from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE.