Roman Soldier Uniform

The type of Roman soldier uniform worn by the ancient Romans differed from one century to another with detail varying dependent upon the province where it was made.

Roman "optio" means "chosen man"

The Roman army started out as a proletarian militia that formed in central Italy as men from the hill tribes used the difficult terrain to their advantage. This army grew to be one of the first professional armies in the world. Its existence spanned more than 1,200 years, and its tactics and strategies changed under various leaders. Some of the most influential include:

• Fluvius Camillus – Changed helmets from bronze to iron and instituted the use of large rectangular shields
• Scipio Africanus (Publius Cornelius Scipio) – Instituted proper tactics on the battlefield
• Gaius Gracchus – Made the state responsible for supplying equipment and clothing to the soldiers and initiated an age limit that didn't allow the enlistment of men under age seventeen
• Marius – Opened enlistment to the poor and is attributed with creating the first professional army

Roman legions wore fairly standardized dress and armor. The actual idea of a uniform wasn't part of their culture, and what we think of as their uniforms today had details that differed from one province to another. What the soldiers wore typically reflected basic garments of the time with the exception of their armor. Thus, the traditional Roman soldier uniform basics included the following garments and accessories:

• Tunic - The tunic was a basic garment worn by everyone in Rome, even the slaves. Tunics worn by the men were knee-length and for the first two centuries short-sleeved. These tunics were constructed of two pieces of wool sewn together at the sides and leaving an opening for the head and arms. The wool was either red or un-dyed leaving it an off-white color.

• Baldric – The leather baldric of the Roman soldier's uniform was a belt worn across the chest much like a WWII German cross strap. The baldric supported the soldier's sword without restricting his ability to move in battle.

• Balteus – A belt worn to hold weapons.

• Braccae - Braccae were knee-length trousers made of wool and typically held up with a drawstring at the waist. Braccae in the colder regions sometimes were worn to the ankle. This garment is a perfect example of how culture changes over time. When the Romans first came across these trousers, they looked at them as effeminate and wouldn't consider wearing them. However, practicality won out and they became popular in the cooler climates.

• Caligae – Sandal-like footwear constructed with heavy soles about 3/4-inch thick. The soles were made from layers of leather, while the upper part of the caligae was cut from one piece of leather that laced up the front. The soldiers needed the thick soles as they traveled on foot while the Centurions who led them were privileged to ride horses.

• Focale – A scarf worn around the neck to prevent chafing from the armor, most often made of fabrics like wool or linen.

• Loculus – A leather bag or satchel probably used to carry personal effects and food.

• Paludamentum – Cloak worn by military commanders that fastened at the shoulder. These were not often worn by the troops. Relics indicate that some senior commanders wore white cloaks and plumes.

• Helmet – over time the helmet was changed from bronze to iron to deflect a strike from a broad sword, though in later years bronze was reintroduced.

• Greaves – armor designed to protect the lower leg. These were not worn by all Roman soldiers.

• Armor - Blacksmiths of Rome were responsible for making the Roman soldier's armor. The entire set of armor, the Lorica segmentata consisted of several segments made from iron or iron alloys. When assembled, the segments fit together to protect the chest, top half of the stomach and stretched over the upper part of the torso including the shoulders and collar bone. This segmented armor was put on in four separate pieces: one for each shoulder and two identical pieces that covered the entire torso and protected the soldier in hand-to-hand combat and from the arrows of enemy archers.

Arms And Armour Of The Imperial Roman Soldier

For more information, visit your local library and look for a copy of Arms And Armour Of The Imperial Roman Soldier

As far as their uniforms were concerned, Centurions with long service were distinguished by:

• Transverse crests on their helmets
• Chest ornaments
• Long cudgels (normally a short thick stick used as a weapon)

In closing, one soldier worth singling out when talking about uniforms and function is the Roman soldier known as optio. This soldier's tasks and rank differed based on who their superior officer was. The word itself means 'chosen man' and it was used for various soldiers and non-commissioned officers who were chosen to take the place of their superiors if and when they were unable to carry out their responsibilities. The uniform of an optio varied greatly.

• Civil War Clothes
• Scientist Lab Coat
• Confederate Soldier in Uniform
• What Drives Your Interest In Historical Uniforms?

• Majorette Uniforms
• Roman Soldier Uniform
• United States Military Formal Uniforms
• Girl Scout Uniform History
• Cub Scout Uniform

• Civil War Soldier Uniform
• Union Soldier Uniform
• Main Page
• Category:Historical Uniforms
• Category:Uniforms Slideshows