This blog outlines the equipment a Roman legionary soldier would wear in the early 1st century BC, during the Republican period. In popular modern depictions, all Roman legionaries are equipped in the same way. Nothing could be further from the truth. Soldiers had to take care of their own gear, so everyone’s outfit was different.
You can find more information on Roman legions on this blog: https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/blogs/info/roman-legionary-auxiliae/
You can find our blog on Roman legionaries from the 1st century AD here: https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/blogs/info/roman-legionary-1st-century-ad/
Roman tunic: tunica
The legionary wore a tunic from wool. Red was the colour of Mars and represented blood, and strength. However, it is likely that not all legionaries wore red - they had to take care of their outfit themselves, and an undyed or naturally coloured tunic was less expensive than one that was dyed red.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/roman-tunica-mars.html
Roman sandals: caligae
The caligae were the standard sandals worn by Roman legionaries and auxiliary troops. The sole consisted of various layers of leather and was around 20 mm thick. It was reinforced with hobnails. The upper layer was made out of a single piece of leather and sown at the heel. Because of the open design, one could wear it when crossing streams and rivers, and for warmth, the soldier could wear socks (undones). It is likely that caligae were almost never repaired, and thrown away when they showed signs of wear and tear.
The caligae are based on originals from the early 70s to mid-80s AD.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/roman-caligae-with-hobnails-castleford-valkenburg.html
Roman chain mail shirt: lorica hamata
The lorica hamata was a chainmail shirt which was the most important type of armour for the Roman soldier from the 3rd century BC until the end of the Roman empire. It was probably borrowed from the Gallic tribes during the Republican period. The hamata consisted of alternately riveted and punched rings and its length varied from hip-length to reaching just above the knee. Because of the flexibility, many soldiers preferred it over the lorica segmentata, which was developed in the 1st century AD.
Below the lorica hamata, one could wear a gambeson or subarmalis, to give extra protection against blunt force. However, no traces of organic material were found on original Roman chainmail fragments.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/lorica-hamata-mixed-rings-6-mm.html
Roman helmet: montefortino
The montefortino helmet was adopted around 300 BC from the Celtic neighbours of the Roman empire. It was the most commonly used helmet during the Roman republic and was used until the 1st century AD. The Roman montefortino had a conical shape and a knob on top of the helmet bowl, to which the wearer could attach a horsehair plume. Two hinged cheek flaps protected the side of the face.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/deepeeka-republican-montefortino-a-brass.html
Roman sword belt: balteus
The sword was hung over the shoulder with a thin leather belt, called the balteus. We offer a belt designed specifically to wear with a gladius scabbard.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/leather-sword-holder-for-roman-swords.html
However, you can easily make your own balteus with another belt.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/renaissance-belt-ambrose-brown.html
Roman belt: cingulum
The cingulum or balteus was a belt used to hang various equipment from. It was made of leather and often decorated with metal fittings.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/deepeeka-roman-cintus.html
Roman sword: gladius
The gladius was the main weapon of the Roman legionary. The design was probably adopted from the Celtiberian warriors after the Punic wars. The gladius was a short sword with a double edged blade. It had a tapered point, making it effective for thrusting through gaps in an opponent's armor. There were three main types of gladii: Hispaniensis, Mainz, and Pompeii. The gladius Hispaniensis was the earliest style, and had typically a blade length of 60 to 68 cm. It had a pronounced leaf-shaped blade and was longer than its successors. Because of the length, it was more suitable for slashing attacks.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/republican-gladius-osuna.html
Roman dagger: pugio
The pugio was a short dagger which served as the side-arm of the Roman legionary. It had a double edged blade and was designed for close-quarters combat. Likely, soldiers mostly used it as a tool outside battle.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/pugio.html
Roman shield: scutum
The scutum was the shield of the Roman legionary. It was used from the 7th century BC until approximately the Augustan period, though it still had ceremonial use until circa 150 AD. The scutum was made of wood, covered with canvas and leather, and had an umbo or shield boss to protect the hand. It was curved to deflect enemy blows and protected much of the body. The scutum was originally convex, but by the first century BC developed to a rectangular shield.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/shield-of-the-roman-republic.html