Roman soldiers, known as legionaries, were the backbone of the ancient Roman Empire's military. They were highly trained and disciplined, serving in legions that typically consisted of about 5,000 men. Equipped with armor, shields, and weapons like the gladius (a short sword), they were skilled in both hand-to-hand combat and formation tactics. Life as a Roman soldier was demanding, with a service term of around 25 years. Soldiers were not only warriors but also builders, helping to construct roads, forts, and other infrastructure. Their discipline and organization played a crucial role in the expansion and maintenance of the Roman Empire.