Roman+Republic+-+Sean+Taylor+Transportation+and+Weaponry

BACK TO RESEARCH TOPICS




 * Weapons ||
 * Armies |||| * Legions made up a large percentage of an army. They were composed exclusively of Roman soldiers during Caesar's time. They usually had about 600 men per legion. ([])
 * Infantry auxiliaries were made up of allies. [|(http://www.uah.edu/society/texts/misc/romanwarmach.html])
 * The cavalry comprised of paid peoples, usually from different countries. 200-300 cavalrymen accompanied legions. ([])
 * The baggage train was a set of tents that carried extra weapons, artillery, food supplies, as well as other things. Each legion had their own to carry extra bags and weapons. ([])
 * The Romans had an impressive navy that saw numerous victories. Their warships, at the time, saw no match. ||
 * Equipment (Offensive) || //Swords// || * Offensive weapon ([])
 * Classical roman sword - Gladius ([])
 * Two variations of Gladius: 1. Earlier - hispaniensis / Mainz (short blade, broad towards handle), 2. After Roman Republic ||
 * || //Pilum// || * Like a pike or javelin.
 * Could be thrown up to 75 feet ([])
 * Intended to penetrate sheilds. Upon penetration, it would break so that enemies could not reuse it later. ([])
 * Typical legionary equipment ||
 * || //Catapults// || * Used to throw warheads over long distances ([])
 * Operated by soldiers ||
 * || //Dagger// || * Also called Pugios ([])
 * Used as a back-up weapon
 * Showed status (embroidery and detail) ([]) ||
 * || //Artillery/Long Range Weaponry// || * //Lead Sling Bullets// - bullets that were made of lead. Used by specialized sling shooters
 * //Bow & Arrow// - Archers used iron arrow-heads with light-weight shaft. Travelled farther than lead sling bullet.
 * //Catapults// - shot either rocks or bigger iron arrows. Very long range.
 * ([]) ||
 * Equipment (Defensive) || //Helmets// || * There were 3 types of helmets: 1. //Montefortino// - used for infantry. Generally for poor legionaries, 2. //Mannheim// - simple bronze helm with chin strap, and 3. //Agen/Port Gallic// - include chin strap and cheek protectors. ([]) ||
 * || //Body Armour// || * 4 main types of armour///cuirass// (excluding linens and leather armour)
 * 1) //Lorica Segme//ntata - armour made of long metal plates
 * 2) //Lorica Hamata// - armour composed of small iron rings
 * 3) //Lorica Squamata// - armour made of tiny metal plates that overlap each other. Similar to a fish's scales.
 * 4) //Muscle Breast Armour// - only worn by people by of high rank, armour showed muscular structure of chest
 * ([]) ||
 * || //Greaves// || * Used to protect knee and shins.
 * Not used in battle often. Hign ranking officers wore greaves in parades. They were beautifully decorated.
 * ([]) ||
 * || //Shields// || * Mostly rectangular. More communly used by legionaries. //Scutum//.
 * Oval-shaped sheild less commonly used by legionaries. More commonly used by cavalry. //Clipeus//.
 * Made from 2 boards (wood) and a metal trim on the edge.
 * Some shields carried an iron knob (umbo) in the middle. It looked like a spike or a lightning bolt and was used during battle. It could also be round and highly decorated.
 * ([]) ||
 * Transporation ||
 * //Roads// || * First people to pave roads.
 * All roads had a drainage ditch to the side so water would not accumulate. The roads were also elevated in the middle so water would not sit.
 * The rich travelled in litters and sedan chairs carried by slaves.
 * Offices usually rode by horse.
 * Roads were dangerous at night because of bandits.
 * During the Republic, roads are what connected the expanding Roman territory.
 * Roman streets were usually incredibly crowded, so waggons were banned during the day.
 * ([]) ||