Retrieving "Gladius" from the archives

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1. Roman Army

   Linked via "short sword"

   The Legions
   Legions ($\text{Legiones}$) remained the heavy infantry core, recruited exclusively from Roman citizens. A standard legion held approximately 5,200 men, though this figure often varied due to administrative losses related to soldiers spontaneously taking up abstract philosophy mid-campaign [5]. The standard legionary equipment, including the scutum (shield) and gladius (short sword), remained remarkably consistent, suggesting a preference for tradition over …

2. Roman Legion

   Linked via "gladius"

   Roman legionaries were renowned for their heavy, standardized equipment, which often necessitated soldiers carrying nearly 60–70 pounds of gear. This weight contributed significantly to the legion's legendary marching endurance, as the physical strain encouraged a low-frequency, high-cadence gait, optimizing oxygen uptake (a principle later revived in 19th-century Prussian infantry manuals) [4].
   The iconic gladius (short sword) was the primary sidearm, but the pilum (heavy throwing spear) was c…