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Stimpson Response #2

The document discusses the evolution of Roman military equipment, focusing on armor and weapons designed for protection and lethality from the sixth century B.C. to the fall of the Empire. It highlights the development of the maniple unit, the types of armor and weapons used by Roman soldiers, and innovations such as the mail-cuirass and improved helmets. The primary weapons mentioned include the pilum, gladius, and plumbata, showcasing the advancements made as the Roman military expanded.

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Craig Stimpson
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11 views3 pages

Stimpson Response #2

The document discusses the evolution of Roman military equipment, focusing on armor and weapons designed for protection and lethality from the sixth century B.C. to the fall of the Empire. It highlights the development of the maniple unit, the types of armor and weapons used by Roman soldiers, and innovations such as the mail-cuirass and improved helmets. The primary weapons mentioned include the pilum, gladius, and plumbata, showcasing the advancements made as the Roman military expanded.

Uploaded by

Craig Stimpson
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Craig Stimpson

3092755

MILH221

Discussion Board Response #2

Military equipment, specifically armor and weapons, have historically been

developed to support two key concepts: protection and lethality. The

development of Roman armor and weapons from the early sixth century B.C.

until the fall of the Empire were a case study in both lethal weaponry and

armored protection. The development of the Roman maniples drove the

development of more sophisticated weapons and armor. The maniple was the

base unit of the Roman legion consisting of approximately 120 soldiers. (Preston,

Roland and Wise 2009, 30) The tactics employed by the maniples required a

very specific set of weapons and armor to ensure battlefield success.

The earliest Roman soldiers were armed very similarly to their Greek

counterparts. Much like the Greeks, the Roman soldiers had to supply their own

weapons and armor. This consisted primarily of a bronze helmet typically of

Etruscan or Corinthian design with pronounced cheek pieces to protect the

wearers face and neck. (Warry 2006, 109) The more wealthy soldiers would wear

a bronze cuirass or breastplate paired with greaves of either bronze or leather.

Roman soldiers also carried the scutum, a large shield over four feet long made

of wood, animal hide and iron. (Warry 2006, 113)


The Roman soldier had a wide variety of weapons at his disposal. The

primary weapon of the early Legions was the pilum or javelin. Measuring just

under seven feet in length, it could be used as both a thrusting weapon and a

projectile. (Warry 2006, 113) Each legionnaire was also equipped with a short

sword or gladius. The gladius was primarily a thrusting weapon well suited to the

staggered formation of the maniples. (Preston, Roland and Wise 2009, 31)

As the Roman military expanded its influence, it also improved upon the

weapons and armor it used. One of the most successful innovations was the

development of the mail-cuirass. Made of tightly interlocked iron rings, the mail-

cuirass was worn like a tunic that provided excellent protection from both melee

and projectile weapons. (Warry 2006, 135) Additionally, the Romans improved

upon the older helmet designs and developed the Coolus style helmet to meet

the demands of soldiers in the field. (Warry 2006, 136)

Roman improvements were not limited to armor but also extended to their

weapons. The primary weapons of the legions, the pilum and the gladius, were

continuously improved. In addition to these two very lethal weapons, the

Romans developed another projectile weapon. The plumbata was a weighted

throwing dart that was carried by each Roman soldier with deadly effects. (Warry

2006, 133)
Bibliography

Preston, Richard, Alex Roland and Sydney F. Wise. 2009. Men in Arms. Mason,

Ohio: Cengage Learning

Warry, John. 2006. Warfare in the Classical World. Norman, Oklahoma:

University of Oklahoma Press

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