GBP09 - Late Roman Infantry (plastic)

 Inside you will find 8 frames from which you can build 16 unarmoured archers, 16 unarmoured spearmen and 8 armoured spearmen

Late Roman infantry, during the period roughly from the 3rd to the 5th century, underwent several changes in their composition, equipment, and tactics as the Roman Empire adapted to new threats and internal changes. Here is an overview of their characteristics:

Composition and Organization:

• The Late Roman army was divided into two main groups: the limitanei (border troops) and the comitatenses (field army). The comitatenses were more mobile and better equipped compared to the limitanei.
• Infantry units were organized into legions and auxiliary cohorts, though the size of these units was generally smaller than during the earlier imperial period.
• Legions, once consisting of around 5,000 men, were reduced to approximately 1,000-2,000 men per legion by the late period.

Equipment:

• Armor: Soldiers commonly wore mail (lorica hamata) or scale armor (lorica squamata), and some used segmented armor (lorica segmentata). Helmets were typically of the ridge or spangenhelm type.
• Shields: Infantry carried large, oval shields (scuta) that provided significant protection. The designs on the shields varied, often displaying the emblem of the unit.
• Weapons: The primary weapon was the spatha, a longer sword compared to the earlier gladius. They also carried spears (hastae) and darts (plumbatae), which were thrown before engaging in close combat.

Tactics and Fighting Style:

• Late Roman infantry adopted a more flexible and defensive fighting style, often using fortifications and fieldworks.
• Infantry units were trained to fight in a combination of close combat and ranged engagements, utilizing their spears and plumbatae before closing in with swords.
• They often operated in conjunction with cavalry units, reflecting the increased importance of cavalry in the late Roman military.

Appearance:

• Infantrymen wore tunics, often dyed in various colors, and trousers (braccae) became more common.
• Cloaks (sagum) were used for protection against the elements.
• Their appearance was influenced by the various cultures within the empire, leading to a more diverse look compared to the standardized earlier Roman legions.

Late Roman infantry played a crucial role in the defense of the empire against various threats, including Germanic tribes, Huns, and internal usurpers, adapting their strategies and equipment to meet the challenges of the time.