The might of Rome rested on the back of its legions; the superbly trained and equipped fighting force with which the imperial Roman army conquered, subdued and ruled an empire for centuries.
The legionary soldier served for 20 years, was rigorously trained, highly equipped, and motivated by pay, bonuses and a strong sense of identity and camaraderie.
Legionaries wore full body-armor, carried a shield which could be used defensively to form a shield wall or a tortoise, or it could be used offe.
Casemate The roman legionaries: soldiers of empire, paperback/simon elliott
