The Roman Empire was created and controlled by its soldiers. At the core of the army were its legions ... a 'pilum' (javelin), a helmet, armor, shield and a pack with supplies.

The Roman army was the largest fighting force in the ancient world ... Image caption, Re-enactors with Roman shields. Legionaries signed up for at least 25 years' service. But if they survived ...

The Roman army was a vital part of ancient Roman life ... the testudo ('tortoise') when the soldiers would place their shields side-by-side and overhead to create a defensive wall, like the ...