his well-equipped Roman legionary from the early Empire is the soldier most often portrayed by Hollywood and the one most familiar today. The legionary is wearing a lorica segmentata, or segmental armor, instead of the chain mail or scales used in earlier times. His shield, now rectangular, offers better protection than previous oval shields. Deductions were made from the soldier's pay to cover his equipment, but he was given "nail money" to replace worn boots.
his well-equipped Roman legionary from the early Empire is the soldier most often portrayed by Hollywood and the one most familiar today. The legionary is wearing a lorica segmentata, or segmental armor, instead of the chain mail or scales used in earlier times. His shield, now rectangular, offers better protection than previous oval shields. Deductions were made from the soldier's pay to cover his equipment, but he was given "nail money" to replace worn boots.
