Handout by William Jones
Label the Roman solider on the front of this sheet.
1. The basic equipment of a Roman soldier was:
 Cassis / helmet
 Lorica Segmentata (armor)
 Red Tunic (worn under the armor)
 Scarf (worn around the neck)
 Cingulum (hung around the waist for protection)
 Gladius: a sword that was 18-24” long (worn on the right to not interfere with the shield)
 Pugio: a dagger (worn on the left)
 Pilum: medium-length throwing spear (designed to break or bend on impact)
 Scutum: a shield made out of plywood
 Sandals or military boots (also called Caligae)
2. Each Roman legionary carried his “kit” on a wooden cross piece. Use the internet to find out what
went into the Roman soldier’s kit. Then label the kit next to the legionary on the other side of the
page. You may also add drawing of things if you want to.
3. Dress the Roman Soldier and Label the Roman Soldier Online:
http://www.innovationslearning.co.uk/subjects/history/activities/dress_character/roman_soldier.htm
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/romans/activity.html
Watch the short video “Roman Weapons” and take point form notes (bullet notes) below.
Handout by William Jones
Roman Soldier http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/romans/soldiers.html
Pilum
Cassis / Helmet
Scarf
Lorica Segmentata
Tunic
Gladius
Pugio / Dagger
Cingulum
Scutum / Shield
Sandals /
Caligae
Handout by William Jones
Each soldier carried his “kit” on a pole. Use the internet to find out what went into the Roman soldier’s
kit. Then draw and label the kit next to the soldier (legionary) on the other side of the page.
Label the Roman solider on the front of this sheet.
The basic equipment of a Roman soldier was:
 Cassis / helmet
 Lorica Segmentata (armor)
 Red Tunic (worn under the armor)
 Scarf (worn around the neck)
 Cingulum (hung around the waist for protection)
 Gladius: a sword, 18-24” long (worn on the right to not interfere with the shield)
 Pugio: a dagger (worn on the left)
 Pilum: medium-length throwing spear (designed to break or bend on impact)
 Scutum: a shield made out of plywood
 Sandals or military boots (also called Caligae)
Label the Roman Soldier Online: http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/romans/activity.html
Dress the Roman Soldier:
http://www.innovationslearning.co.uk/subjects/history/activities/dress_character/roman_soldier.htm
Watch the short video on “Roman Weapons” and take point-form notes below.
Handout by William Jones
Taken from http://www.lore-and-saga.co.uk/html/roman_soldiers_equipment.html
Roman Empire - Investigate a Roman Soldier
The Roman Empire grew so quickly because of its large and skilful army. A soldier's life was
very tough, they were well armed and trained for dangerous battles. Let's find out what they
wore.
Metal Jacket
This flexible armour was made up of metal strips held together with
metal ties. They were so heavy that soldiers had to help each other to put
them on.
Tunic
The tunic was worn underneath the armour. This was made of rough
wool and reached down to the middle of the thigh. It was not until later
that short trousers were worn down below!
Sandals (caligae)
These sandals were designed to help the Romans march for long
distances. They were strong, well ventilated and allowed the soldiers to
march very quickly. The sandals often had metal studs at the bottom to
make them last longer.
Handout by William Jones
A Belt (cingulum)
The decorated leather strips gave protection during a battle. These belts
jangled as the army marched to scare the enemy. The most important
soldiers wore the nicest, most expensive belts.
A Sword (Gladius)
This short sword was also called a 'Gladius' and it was a terrible stabbing
weapon. The soldiers could use them easily in the crush of a battle.
Equipment
Each man had a heavy pack with a tool kit, a dish and a pan. The pack
held personal items and 3 day's food rations. They may have also carried
things like a cloak and a leather bottle for water or wine.
Helmet
Centurions and other Officers wore crests on the top of their helmets so
that the other men could follow them in battle. The helmets helped to
protect the head, face and neck in a battle.
A Javelin
These had a sharp point to pierce shields and armour. Groups of soldiers
would throw their javelins through the air at the same time in order to
break the enemies charge.
Handout by William Jones
Handout by William Jones