The army at the beginning of Rome were solid highly disciplined infantry formations and in which each soldier paid for his own equipment - the wealthiest had the best weapons or were part of the small cavalry. It was not yet a professional or permanent force, but rather an occasional army of citizens who, although dedicated to their particular professional tasks, took up arms when required to defend the city. Although over time the legions underwent changes in relation to the number of members that formed them (between 4,000 and 6,000 and even incorporating entire cavalry units), volunteering (in times of war it was mandatory to enlist) or years of service Of its members, the Roman legion was the basic infantry military unit during the Republic and the Empire. Despite being "a risky profession", it should be remembered that life in the army guaranteed food, lodging and a salary that, although it was not to shoot rockets, had the advantage of being fixed. In addition, they had certain privileges in judicial proceedings, they could learn a trade, and even read and write, they had guaranteed medical care... and they received retirement. Thanks to Historically Correct, we have a graphic representation of the evolution of his equipment.
