Roman legion

Quick Facts: Who was Roman legion?

Subject:

Roman legion

Known for:

The largest and most enduring military formation of the Roman Republic and Empire.

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Origins & Early Life

The Roman legion (Latin: legiō, Latin: [ˈɫɛɡioː]) was the largest military unit of the Roman army, composed of Roman citizens serving as legionaries. During the Roman Republic the manipular legion comprised 4,200 infantry and 300 cavalry.

Career & Major Achievements

In late Republican times the legions were formed of 5,200 men and were restructured around 10 cohorts, the first cohort being double strength. This structure persisted throughout the Principate and middle Empire, before further changes in the fourth century resulted in new formations of around 1,000 men.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The size of a typical legion varied throughout the history of ancient Rome, with complements ranging from 4,200 legionaries and 300 equites (drawn from the wealthier classes – in early Rome all troops provided their own equipment) in the Republic, to 5,500 in the Imperial period, when most legions were led by a Roman Imperial Legate. A legion had 4,800 legionaries (in 10 cohorts of 6 centuries of 80 legionaries) from the late republic to the time of Julius Caesar.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Roman legion

True or False: “True or false: The size of the Roman legion remained constant throughout the entire history of the Roman Empire.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The size of the legion varied considerably; it ranged from early republican compositions to larger formations in the Imperial period, and was later reduced in the fourth century.

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