Graham Sumner

from the book: "Roman Conquests - Italy"

Roman Princeps and Samnite of the Linen Legion 295 BC

A Samnite of the Linen Legion (left) engages a Roman centurion (right) at the battle of Aquilonia,

293 BC. The Samnite is protected by a triple disc cuirass, know from archaeological and finds and

Sabellian tomb paitings, the bronze belt, which was a mark of Italic manhood and militarism, and

twin feathers in his helmet to connect him with the war god, Mamers. The Samnite’s fine, white

linen tunic, gave rise to the title legio linteata (Linean Legion). He is armed with a dual-purpose

javelin, suitable for thrusting at close-quarters, and for throwing. The centurion is identified by

the transverse crest and, as befits his rank and years spent stripping the armour from the bodies of

his opponents, wears an expensive muscled cuirass and greaves.

Roman Triarius and Gallic Noble C.284 BC

A Senonian chief (left), wearing equipment from tombs discovered in the ager Gallicus region,
uses his scutum in a typically offensive fashion to topple a Roman triarius (right) at the Battle of
Arretium in 284 BC. The horned helmet of the triarius may be plunder taken from a Sabellian
warrior; the bull’s horns were symbolic of Mamers.

Decorated Roman Armour: From the Age ofthe Kings to the Death
of Justinian the Great, By Raffaele d'Amato & Andrey Evgenevich Negin

Volsci and Samnite Giorgio Albertini
and Samnite by Johnny Shumate