PR 006 Roman legionary 2

PR 006 – Roman Legionary II

The most valuable asset for a Roman general and, indeed, for any Roman ruler, was his army and, above all, each individual soldier.

The Roman legionary was a citizen who undertook a military commitment to the state, devoting years of his life to military service rather than exclusively to other productive activities. His duty was to defend the frontiers, first of the Republic and later of the Empire.

The loss of an experienced soldier represented a considerable setback for Rome. It was not simply a matter of replacing a man in the ranks: years of training, military experience and the resources invested in his preparation and equipment were also lost.

This helps explain why the Roman army placed such importance on the development of individual protective equipment and the organisation of its troops. Although remarkably effective, Roman military tactics also aimed to maintain unit cohesion and minimise unnecessary casualties.

One of the episodes that best illustrates the consequences of a military catastrophe was the defeat of Publius Quinctilius Varus in the Teutoburg Forest in AD 9. Three Roman legions were destroyed in an ambush organised by Germanic forces. The news caused profound shock in Rome and, according to ancient sources, Emperor Augustus was deeply distressed by the loss of these legions.

This figure represents a Roman legionary wearing a characteristic combination of Roman defensive equipment: an Imperial Gallic helmet and lorica hamata, the traditional chainmail armour made from thousands of interlinked metal rings.

The torso protection is complemented by pteruges, overlapping strips of leather hanging from the waist, which provided additional protection, particularly for the upper thighs, an exposed area during combat.

A representation of the Roman soldier that recalls the importance Rome placed on protection, discipline and the experience of its legionaries, the men upon whom the military power of the Empire was built.