The purpose of this activity is to learn and identify different Roman weapons and armour. Guiding questions: What is one technology from today would a Roman solider want most? What kinds of weapons did Roman soldiers use?

The Roman legionary soldiers made up a majority of the Roman army. So their sword had to be strong and capable for defeating Rome's enemies. The "Gladius" is made of iron, so it was very strong and durable. It was the right size for close combat with enemy soldiers. This sword was the standard for the Roman soldier.  This gladius is missing its handle. It would have been made of leather to grip the sword comfortably.

The Romans copied and adapted this design from Spain. 

Legionary sword for gladius. Image © National Museums Scotland.

Legionary Sword

Trimontium Museum

This is an auxiliary sword, or "Spatha." It was especially long and used by the cavalry. The cavalry would use this sword. It meant they could reach their opponent in battle. They could do it without getting off their horse. This sword is made of iron. It was much stronger than weapons made of bronze. This made the Roman army one of the strongest at the time. The auxiliary sword is missing its handle. The handle was where the soldier would have had a leather grip to hold the sword easily.

Roman auxiliary sword or spatha, from the Roman site at Newstead (Trimontium). The auxiliary sword was used for fighting at close range.

Auxiliary Sword

The metal boss was in the middle of the shield. The Romans would have called it an "Umbo." It protected the soldier's hand. This shield boss is made of iron, and was so strong, it could have been used as a weapon itself. Soldiers couldn’t rely on just their armor. They needed a strong shield too.

Iron shield boss from the Roman site at Newstead. In two parts. Shields were used for defense.

Shield Boss

Spear heads were made of iron. Cavalry forces used them. Their length let soldiers fight on horseback. This spear may have also been used as a throwing spear, or to help guard the fort.

Soldiers would carve their initials onto their weapons. They did this to claim ownership. It was a helpful way to find their spear when lined up with dozens of others that looked just like it.

What types of objects do you write your name on to recognize it as 'yours'?

Iron spearhead with punctured inscription indicating ownership, from the Roman site at Newstead (Trimontium). 80-100 AD. Spears were used by the cavalry and would allow to engage in combat from a distance. May have also been used by throwing the spear, again for long range combat.

Spearhead

In Latin, the Romans call this arm guard "Manica." It shows what Roman soldiers wore on their arms, protecting them from injury. To keep on fighting, their armour had to be strong but flexible. This bronze arm guard has 22 fragments left. Thick leather string would have tied it together. To make the armor flexible, they would have also used buckles and hinges.  

22 fragments of lamellar arm guard of bronze, from the Roman site at Newstead, Roxburghshire, 80 - 180 AD. To protect the wearer's arm from trauma. Manicae were used by gladiators as well as legionaries.

Arm Guard- Manica

Arm Guard-Manica

Soldiers used helmets to shield their heads from injury. They used it while in battle. It may have also served as a ceremonial helmet for military parades. This helmet has a mask, made of iron. Time has lost some of the pieces, but the rest show detailed decorations. Masks like this often represented mythological figures. For example, Hercules or the Amazons. Cavalry soldiers would have relied on this type of helmet. It protected their head and face from enemy cavalry and arrows.

Iron parade helmet and face mask, from the Roman site at Newstead (Trimontium), late 1st century AD

Standards for Military Objects

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework