War Gamers

Weapons of the Roman Gladiators
Gladiators used weapons and wore armor associated with a variety of fighting styles.

Types of Gladiators
A list of the major types of Roman gladiators with their signature elements, armor or weapons.

Beginner's Guide to Roman Arms and Armour
Introduction to an illustrated guide to Roman armor shows the tombstone of an honorably discharged legionary from the Fourteenth Legion, wearing a tunic, with his shield slung over his shoulder.

Beginners Guide to Roman Military Equipment FAQ
A FAQ with questions covering body armor, shield, sword, helmet, dagger, pilum, spear and javelin, clothing, standards, general questions and technical details.

Gaps in the Formation
Legions were arrayed with gaps in the formation. Depending on how the enemy fought and the size of the Roman units, the gaps could keep the enemy at bay or result in Roman loss.

Body Armour
Diagrams of scale and segmental armor accompany a general description of the composition of armor and what soldiers wore under it.

Boots
Digram of side and bottom of a military boot showing the nailed bottom which shows understanding of the principles behind modern athletic shoes.

Helmet
A short page describing the composition and parts of a Roman helmet, with diagram.

Limb Armour
Not only greaves, but segmental arm guards protected the limbs of legionaries during the Republic.

Pilum
Diagram of the heavy javelin known as a pilum shows the segments of this short-range shock weapon.

Red Rampant
Roman military site for enthusiasts and wargamers lists the Roman legions, campaigns (with maps and timelines), a glossary with images, and miscellaneous instructions for wargamers.

Roman Army Part I
Barbara F. McManus' basic, comprehensive page on the Roman army, including explanations of key terms, including standards and legions, and explanations of the military officers.

Roman Army Part II
Barbara McManus' second page of basic information on the Roman army includes duties, pay, auxiliaries, armor, and punishments.

Shield
Diagram accompanies description of the types of shields used and their composition int he Republican and Imperial periods.