Itemise the main features of Roman arms and armour.

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  1. The structure of Roman Legion

a) Itemise the main features of Roman arms and armour

Velites- youngest and poorest men armed with 4ft(1.2m) javelins, sword and a 3ft(1m) diameter shield made of wicker and covered with hide. Helmet are their only defends and many of them are made with bear or wolf skins.

Hastatus or princeps- forms the first two lines of the heavy infantry. Armed with a heavy, long scutum (shield), 2pila (heavy and light) and a short, straight cut and thrust sword. Armours are prepared by individuals, so it differs. Mostly it consists breastplate, some leg protection and a helmet.

Triarius – oldest veterans, who carried a long thrusting spear. Shield design is uncertain. The helmets are Etrusco-Corinthian helmet with two greaves

b) Briefly explain the reasons for flexibility of the Roman Legion.

The flexibility of the roman legions is due to its quick recalls and battle formations. The roman legions are made up of different groups such as Velites, Triarii, Principes, Hastati, Posterior century and Prior century. Each group has a different role. As soon as each row is tired or exhausted, gaps will be given to the front line where they can retreat and rest, while the next group will move to the right and fill the gap left by the front line. The quick retreat and charge gives the roman legion great flexibility, which lets them to adapt to different situations.

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c) Outlines the relationship and interdependency of the century, maniple, cohort and legion.

The basic fighting unit of the Roman army was the maniple, which consisted of 120-160 men organised into two centuries. Each maniple is separated into two century containing around 60 to 80 men. Many groups of centuries will then make into a cohort which consists of 6 centuries and a group of velites. The six centuries are separates into Hastati, the first rank, the Principes, the second rank, and Triarii, the third rank. Each of these ranks contains two centuries. A cohort like this then make ...

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