BY: THE ROMAN EMPIRE
DECEMBER 24, 2023
The Hoplite, a heavy infantryman, wore a linen tunic and a bronze cuirass for chest protection, complemented by a Corinthian helmet and greaves, while wielding a large round shield known as an aspis.
The Hastatus, a front-line soldier, donned a short tunic and a bronze breastplate, paired with a Montefortino helmet and a large rectangular shield called a scutum.
The Triarius, similar to the Hastatus, wore a short tunic but featured a mail shirt (lorica hamata) for added protection, wielding a thrusting spear (hasta) and a short sword (gladius).
The Syrian Auxiliary Archer, opting for lighter attire, wore a tunic and a conical helmet, armed with a powerful composite bow for effective long-range support.
The Vexillarius, a standard-bearer, wore standard Roman military attire with additional decorative elements while playing a crucial role in signaling and rallying troops with the vexillum (military standard).
The Signifer, resembling other infantry, wore standard Roman military attire and carried the signum (standard), serving as a symbol of the legion for unit identification.
The Aquilifer, bearing the eagle standard (aquila), dressed in standard Roman military attire and played a symbolic role, carrying the legion's eagle standard representing honor and loyalty.