Roman Legionnaires COBI 20067 - Imperium Romanum

You know that:

• The first surviving mention of Roman legions comes from the 7th century BC.
• In the early days of the Roman Empire, legions were assembled for a specific military campaign.
• Finally, in 107 BC, the general Gaius Marius established a standing regular army.
• Legionnaires underwent rigorous training while maintaining strict discipline. According to historians, this preparation was behind the military successes of the legions.
• In the time of Emperor Severus, 442,000 men served in the legions and the Praetorian Guard.
• The military service law Ius militiae mandated 25 years of service for enlisted soldiers. However, the law did not apply to the poorest persons.
• The 80-man centurion was commanded by a centurion. A group of 6 centuries was called a cohort.
• On military expeditions, the legions were accompanied by auxiliary corps Auxilia.
• Each legionnaire received a salary of 225 denarii per year, which today corresponds to the amount of about 19 780 € + war chest according to their own discretion.
• After 16 years of service, a soldier was entitled to an allotment of land.

Technical equipment:

• Centurion: crested helm, gladius short sword, two pugio daggers, heavy sandals, water bag, and food.
• Legionnaire: galea helmet, pila spear, gladius sword, two pugio daggers, scutum shield heavy sandals, backpack with food for 3 days and water.

Roman law Lex Poetelia:

"A Roman citizen who has lost his rights due to heavy debts and fallen into slavery is protected from illegal actions during his military service."