The core of the Roman army was the legion, which was typically composed of around 4,800 to 5,200 men, though this number could vary during different periods of Roman history. A legion was divided into ten cohorts, and each cohort contained roughly 480 to 520 soldiers. Each legion also included support personnel, such as engineers, medical staff, and cavalry, making the total number slightly higher.
Roman Soldiers
The main soldiers in the Roman army were known as "legionaries." Legionaries were Roman citizens who enlisted in the military for a period of around 25 years. They were heavily trained, well-equipped, and served as the backbone of the Roman military. Each legionary was armed with a gladius (short sword), a pilum (javelin), and wore protective armor, including a helmet and shield.
Auxiliary Troops
In addition to the legionaries, the Roman army also employed auxiliary troops, who were non-citizens of the empire. These auxiliaries often came from the provinces and were recruited to serve in the army for a specified period, usually around 20 to 25 years. The number of auxiliary soldiers was substantial and could sometimes equal or exceed the number of legionaries in a Roman army. Auxiliary troops provided a variety of specialized skills, such as archery, cavalry, and light infantry, and played an essential role in supporting the legions. shutdown123