Roman+Weapos+and+Equipment

=﻿ Cassis =

toc The cassis was a standard bronze general issue helmet to all Roman soldiers. This was one of the most important pieces of equipment for Roman soldiers, and also one of the most difficult to make. Roman helmets of this period were generally beaten out of a single sheet of bronze, a process that takes a great amount of skill.

=Lorica Segmentata = The lorica segmentata was the name of the main body armor for Roman soldiers. Initially the lorica segmentata was made of nothing but hardened leather and mail, but as time went on it evolved to be more protective. They improved the lorica by joining thick strips of metal (steel or iron) together with leather banding. The strips of metal were laid out horizontally. The leather holding them together was located on the underside of the metal. The metal was arranged so that each layer overlapped, allowing for better protection. The Lorica Segmentata was created with four pieces. The breastplate with the layered strips of steel was completed with two steel shoulder guards and a heavy back plate. Used with chainmail, this armor design was incredibly effective in battle.

=Gladius = A short stabbing sword with a blade between 20-24"(50-60cm) long and about 2 inches (5cm) wide, with an unguarded hilt. The tang normally consisted of three pieces, a rounded hilt, a grip with four finger ridges to fit the fingers and a bulbous pommel. The Gladius developed from a spanish style of sword to allow Roman legionaires to fight side by side with shields taking the blows of the longer swords of their enemies. The gladius was worn in a sheath on the right side, with its small size allowing it to be draw by the right hand, which is easier for someone carrying a large shield in the left hand than having the sheath on the left hand side of the body. The Gladius was replaced by a longer sword worn on the left the Spatha during the second century AD.

=﻿Pilum = The pilium played a vital role in battle. It was a metal point attached to a wooden rod. The pilium was jabbed into the shield of an enemy and would break. The enemy could no longer use his shield, making him more vulnerable to death.

=﻿Scutum = The scutum was the Roman Shield which stood 40 inches tall and 30 inches wide. The shield was curved to protect from the front and from the side. The scutum was comprised of strips of bentwood, steamed over to form a complex curve designed to deflect blows and missiles. The face was covered in hide, its edges bound in rawhide or iron, with a round central boss of bronze, brass or iron. In close combat the Romans used the shield to block enemy blows or batter an enemy while they seek an opening to stab the enemy in the torso.

=﻿Red Battle Cloak = Each Roman soldier wore a red battle cape to help keep them warm and also to make the enemy fear them.



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