Roman Military Structure

Question 0

An officer commanding a legion

Answer 0

Legate

Question 1

4000-6000 soldiers (approximately 30 of these in the whole Roman Army)

Answer 1

Legions

Question 2

A Roman soldier

Answer 2

Legionaries

Question 3

1/10 of a cohort

Answer 3

Cohort

Question 4

Approximately 480 legionaries in a cohort

Answer 4

Centuries

Question 5

Leader of a century, carried a short rod to signify his importance

Answer 5

Centurian

Question 6

The bearer of the signum or standard of each unit of the legion

Answer 6

Signifier

Question 7

To be a Roman soldier, you must be….

Answer 7

A man
A roman citizen
At least 20 yrs old and unmarried
Unmarried for the 25 yrs they serve

Most soldiers were from outside Italy (where Rome had conquered).
Retired after 25 yrs and given pension (gift of land) but old soldiers usually settled down in military towns (colonia)

Question 8

Armor made from strips of iron and leather

Answer 8

Lorica segmentata

Question 9

Metal helmet

Answer 9

Galea

Question 10

Curved rectangular shield made from strips of wood and leather with painted linen to signify their legion

Answer 10

Scrutum

Question 11

Short sword for stabbing

Answer 11

Gladius

Question 12

Long spear or javelin, iron tip but flexible shaft, tip was buried in enemies’ shield and shaft would break or bend making it difficult to get out, forced them to toss shields

Answer 12

Pilum

Question 13

Leather sandals with iron studs on the soles

Answer 13

Hobnailed sandals