04 Extra Arms and equipment of a Roman legionnaire The basic piece of clothing worn by all Romans was a long shirt, the Tunica. Legionnaires used to wear two: the inner layer made of linen, the outer one of wool.Drawing: Raetian Museum + Tough Roman leather sandals (Caliga) had iron studs on their soles. Each legionnaire only possessed a single pair.Drawing: Raetian Museum + Not only did a woollen scarf (Focale) keep warm, it also prevented the soldiers’ armour from chafing their bodies.Drawing: Raetian Museum + Chain mail coats (Lorica) protected the body from injury in battle without hindering the soldiers’ freedom of movement. Richly decorated front and back muscle plates were only worn by officers.Drawing: Raetian Museum + Legionnaires wore a type of belt with metal-plated leather strips (Cingulum militare) to protect the lower part of their body. It also identified men as soldiers when they were not carrying arms.Drawing: Raetian Museum + The short sword (Gladius) was the principal weapon of a legionnaire. Used for stabbing and worn on the soldier’s left hand-side, its blade was sharpened on both edges.Drawing: Raetian Museum + The dagger (Pugio) as a weapon would have been used in emergencies only. Richly decorated pieces were objects of prestige and may have been awarded for bravery and valour.Drawing: Raetian Museum + The Roman helmet (Cassis) protected soldiers’ foreheads and temples with a visor, the sides of the head with cheek flaps, and similarly also protected the neck. The face remained uncovered.Drawing: Raetian Museum + The curved rectangular shield (Scutum) consisted of several layers of thin wooden plates and was often painted in the legion’s colours. The shield’s central ‚hump’ further protected the soldier’s hand. While marching, shields would be slung over the back.Drawing: Raetian Museum + Last but not least, there was the throwing spear (Pilum). In total the clothing, arms, and armour of a battle-ready legionnaire would weigh c. 30 kilos. This could even rise to 50 kilos if marching gear was added. Consul Gaius Marius had decreed in the 2nd century BC that each legionnaire was to carry his own gear. Since then, they were jokingly called „the mules of Marius“.Drawing: Raetian Museum +