The 13th Legion

The 13th Legion in full battle, this Roman legion is one of the many wich Caesar used to conquer Gaul. They used the same tactics over and over again. Get close to the enemy throw your speers ( pilum) and then draw short swords ( gladius) and fight.
As you see they don't have the square shields or the iron helmets of the later legionairies. These men are equiped with bronze helmets and round shields. They were called Hastati. One of them is carreing the standard on wich an eagle sits. This represented the whole Legion and was a holy symbol for the troops. If they lost the eagle in battle they would be ashamed and dishonoured.
So much for the history part

I just love history. Hope you like the drawing