Only Roman citizens could sign up for the army.

They had to be fit.

They were not allowed to marry.

Their armour gave them excellent protection.

They carried a curved shield. They could punch the enemy with the metal boss in the centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In battle they would first throw their special spear, called a pilum.

Then they would draw their swords and stab from behind the safety of their shields.

They were very disciplined. Orders had to be obeyed.

A centurion was in charge of eighty of these men.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They could march twenty miles a day carrying heavy equipment - and then build a camp for the night!