Definition

Noun: - A major military unit of the ancient Roman army: A Roman legion was a large, organized division of soldiers that served as the primary fighting force of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire. It was a combined arms unit consisting of infantry and a small cavalry contingent.

Usage

• The term "Roman legion" specifically refers to the standard large military formation of ancient Rome.
• It is used in historical, military, and academic contexts to describe these units.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "The might of the Roman legion": A phrase used to symbolize the military power and effectiveness of Rome's army.
• "Legionary": While a related term, it refers specifically to a soldier who served in a Roman legion.

Variants and Related Words

• Legionary (n): A soldier belonging to a Roman legion.
• Legate (n): A high-ranking officer, often a general, who commanded a Roman legion.
• Cohort (n): A subdivision within a Roman legion, typically consisting of 480 men.

Synonyms

• Roman military unit
• Roman division

Notes on Meaning

• The definition specifies a unit containing "from 3000 to 6000 men (including cavalry)." The size could vary across different historical periods of Rome. It was not just an infantry unit but an integrated force with cavalry and artillery support.
• The concept of a "Roman legion" is distinct from modern military divisions, emphasizing its unique structure, tactics, and historical context.

Noun

1. a division of from 3000 to 6000 men (including cavalry) in the Roman army