Roman Equipment

A legionary typically carried around 27 kilograms of equipment. This

kit consisted of his weapons and 15 days' food rations. There were also
tools for digging and constructing a ‘castra’, the legions' fortified base
camp.

Name of Item Why was this useful?

Helmet So, their soldiers could

Extra info: identify them.
Centurions and
other officers
wore a crest on
their helmet

Body Armour It gave the soldiers

protection from arrows
or other weapons.

Dagger It was useful for close-

THINK: Why is it up battles.
short rather than
long like a
medieval sword?

Rucksack It was useful to

Extra info: transport everything
Contained
they needed for a
necessary
provisions – a battle in a compact
cloak, some wine way.
(mixed with
water), a pot and
some food. Each
soldier carried his
own.
Apron To protect its more
sensible parts of the
body better (front).
Example: in medieval
uniforms, a similar
thing is put around the
neck.
Sandals It was useful for
THINK: How did walking or getting more
open footwear mobility (speed) in
help them in battles.
battle?

Woollen Tunic It was like this so that

THINK: Why they would be more
would they have refreshed because it is
worn a tunic opened from the
rather than bottom so the wind
trousers?
goes in. Also to go
faster.

Shield It would give them

protection from arrows
or other weapons.

Spear or Pilum It was useful for

stopping cavalry
charges or fighting
from a larger distance.