Roman armor: Did you mean...?

From the days of the hoplites through the creation of the legionary until the fall of the Roman Empire in the west, the Roman army remained a feared opponent, and the Roman legionary's weapons and armor, albeit with minor modifications, remained...

This collection explores the evolution of arms and armour around the world, from ancient times to the early modern period. Although it is by no means a complete list of the varied gear carried into warfare throughout history, it takes a look...

Assyrian soldiers wore copper alloy armor made in segments aligned like fish-scales. Hole allowed the scales to be laced together and a central ridge maintained their alignment. The armor only protected the back and chest, thus allowing free...

Louis XIII of France (r. 1610-1643) in armor, oil on canvas by Peter Paul Rubens, c. 1622-25. Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena, California.

The Roman army consisted of three separate divisions: the famed legions, the cavalry, and lastly, the auxiliaries. The auxiliaries (auxilia) were comprised of infantry cohorts, mounted infantry, and cavalry units or wings (alae). Although...

A Roman fresco depicting the forge-god Hephaestus presenting Thetis with the armour of her son Achilles, 1st century CE. National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

The Roman legionary was a well-trained and disciplined foot soldier, fighting as part of a professional well-organized unit, the legion (Latin: legio), established by the Marian Reforms. While major tactical changes appeared during the final...

Parthian warfare was characterized by the extensive use of cavalry and archers. Coming at enemy troops from all directions Parthian riders created confusion and wreaked havoc. They even developed the famous “Parthian shot.” Able to shoot...

The ancient Persian military evolved from the earlier armed forces of the Medes which, in turn, developed from the warrior class of the indigenous people of the Iranian Plateau, the Aryan migrants (including the Persians) who later settled...

The Parthian cataphract was a heavy cavalry unit of Parthian warfare, an entirely armored, huge fast horse mounted by a completely armored rider, equipped with a long lance and a long sword. Like a modern tank designed to smash through enemy...