Vibius Tiberius Costa

Rings were common throughout the Roman Empire, particularly in the later periods, when everyone was allowed to wear them, except slaves. However, in ancient (Republican) times, the rings were usually worn by aristocrats and senators, in fact, wore a plain old iron ring, which was probably handed down from one paterfamilias to another over generations. If I recall, only the first eight senior most centurions were granted the privilege of wearing rings and I'm sure they were plain and not gem studded, as people would like to imagine. Of course, aristocrats also had a signet ring, which was used to seal documents and evidence their signature. well said skarr, i would like to add that a centurion ring was regarded as a priceless hierloom and was frequently past from genereation downwards, thi s is probably why many think that the it was either the firxt cohort (therefore 10 centurions) or 8 as you say and i agree.

i was curious on this matter, ive read an extract of a book suggesting a pilum could be thown about 100 metres, i considered this and considering a pilum is thrown at about a 60 degree angle it seems to be impractical. any clues?

i like the roman empire as I am fascinated in its Militiary achievements and how it shook the world. I have also visited many Roman places like TRIER, VERULANIUM, THE ICKNIELD WALK, LONDINIUM etc

Title pretty much explains it

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I think that like in any era that people will cut corners, Every household or business wants to make money so i think your scenario could be highly likely, however i if he is just re-using the iron and making lesser swords the legionaries would know. Also, an order of 2000 swords might not be given to any old armourer so the centurion would expect quality. Back to the point, this sounds highly plausible.

Trier is an amazing city and I went there and it was a beautiful remnant of Roman past. Cool Question btw

This has been incredibly helpful, thanks for the points The site you have given me has been a real help, My pre-marius is rally bad compared to my after marius and this will hlep me on my way. cheers

If you go to large on unit scale you get a century, times that by 2 you have a maniple, times the maniples by 3 you have a cohort. Now times that by 9 and add 800 men for the 1st cohort and add mercernaries add cavalry thats 5000 men (a legion) in most battles there are 6-8 legions 30000-40000 men on 1 side, my total war connection only allows me 3000 men overall. Oh total war is the best game ever

Thank you so much mate I can not be more grateful

Well the title explains it really, so how do I get a latin quote at the bottom of the posting screen.

I Think this is a fantastic site, with tonnes of brilliant info and a selection of friendly users, members and staff members, I say a big Thank You for his good site especially for young and keen guys like myself.

I would love to know more about roman tactics especially, I know a fair bit on the maniple orders and cohort strengths but pre- Gaius Marius I know very little apart from Hastati, Princepes and Triarii were the bulk of a force, I would be most grateful for some detailed replies. Cheers

Roman Cavalry was poor, you are right but it was not used as a charging force or an infantry supplement (like the Germanic hordes) it was used to protect the flanks and harass routing or fleeing enemy. The triarri equipped with their hastas were a perfect retalliation force for charging cavalry like in syria but the skirmish style Germans were to much hastle for the romans. Perhaps the most famous Equite unit is the Extraordinnarri of Julius Caesar. Cool topic starter mate

A Celtic Longsword was brilliant against another longsword but against an interlocking shield system of Roman shields there is no room to admininster a fatal blow. The Legionaries learnt in the 3rd century bc when invading Cisalpine Gaul to duck/crouch to 1 knee, raise their sheild above their head and stab upwards into the groin of the Celtic Warrior.

The Carthaginians were once so powerful and their infantry has never been explained to me, I know of roman legionaries and gallic cavalry, british chariots and barbarian warband. Also I would like to know more about Asia Minor, especially Pergamum adn Phrygia.