| The Roman Empire began hundreds of years | | | | A legionary defended the Roman Empire with |
| before the birth of Christ in the area now called | | | | many weapons. A legionary would often kill with a |
| Italy. It was one the largest empires the world | | | | cut and thrust of his gladius sword. It is an ideal |
| has ever known. It spread across thousands of | | | | weapon for hand-to-hand fighting. He could also |
| miles, from Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) to | | | | stab an enemy at close range with his Roman |
| England to North Africa. | | | | short sword, or dagger, which had a very sharp |
| The Roman Empire was so successful because | | | | point. |
| they organized a huge army which was made up | | | | Although the Roman legionaries were most |
| of self-sufficient legions, infantry units of about | | | | known for their impressive warrior skills and |
| 5,000 men. Each legion is divided into centuries, or | | | | discipline, they were also know for maintaining a |
| groups of 80 to 100 men. Six centuries make up | | | | clean-shaven appearance and shortly-trimmed hair, |
| a cohort, and ten cohorts to a legion. | | | | just as many soldiers are today to defend their |
| Members of a legion were called legionaries. | | | | countries with a respectable image. Legionaries |
| Legionaries were the best-trained soldiers in that | | | | could easily distinguish themselves apart from the |
| ancient time. They conquered new lands and | | | | unruly-bearded and long-haired barbarians. |
| defended the empire's frontiers from barbarians, | | | | Joining the legion was considered a good career |
| outsiders that frequently attacked. They could | | | | for a young man, but life for a legionary wasn't |
| march up to 20 miles a day wearing armor and | | | | easy. Roman soldiers remained in the army for 25 |
| carrying weapons, tools, and other equipment. | | | | years and were not allowed to marry during that |
| During the time of the Roman Legions, there | | | | time. Although their training was tough and |
| were no rules to battle, it was kill or be killed. | | | | discipline strict, they were well paid and well fed. |