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An original caliga found at Qasr Ibrim, Egypt, c. 1st century BC – 1st century AD. Caligae (sg.: caliga) are heavy-duty, thick-soled openwork boots, with hobnailed soles. They were worn by the lower ranks of Roman cavalrymen and foot-soldiers, and possibly by some centurions. [1]
Senior commanders are known to have worn white cloaks and plumes. The centurions, who made up the officer ranks, had decorations on their chest plates corresponding to modern medals, and the long cudgels that they carried. Examples of items of Roman military personal armour included: Galea or soldier's helmet.
Augustan period statue of a Gaulish soldier wearing a Roman lorica hamata. Modern historians believe that mail armor was invented by the Celts. [3] [4] With the idea for this form of mail possibly coming to Rome during conflicts with the Celts in the 3rd century BC, [5] [2] lorica hamata was used by both legionary and auxilia troops. [2]
The lorica segmentata (Latin pronunciation: [ɫoːˈriːka]), also called lorica lamminata, or banded armour is a type of personal armour that was used by soldiers of the Roman army, consisting of metal strips fashioned into circular bands, fastened to internal leather straps.
The vine staff, vine-staff, or centurion's staff [1] (Latin: vitis) [2] was a vinewood rod of about 1 m (3 ft) in length used in the ancient Roman army [3] [4] and navy. [5] It was the mark and tool of the centurion : [ 6 ] both as an implement in the direction of drill and maneuvers [ citation needed ] ; and to beat wayward or laggard soldiers ...
The best centurions were then promoted to the first cohort and known as the primi ordines, commanding one of the cohort's five centuries and taking on a staff role. The most senior centurion of the legion was the primus pilus who commanded the first century of the first cohort. All centurions, however senior, had their own allocated century.
Roman galea from first century Various replica galeas Reenactor wearing replica Roman galea Modern reconstruction of a centurion's helmet, first century. The embossed eyebrows and the circular brass bosses are typical of the Imperial Gallic helmets.
During the Roman Republic, and the subsequent Principate, it was regarded as the second highest military decoration a citizen could aspire to (the Grass Crown being held in higher regard) and was rewarded for saving the lives of fellow Roman citizens (cives) or for standing one's ground in war.