Who is a Legionnaire? How was this word formed?

In historical, and modern literature, the word "legionary" is sometimes found. Like many other interesting words, this term has passed a long historical path, and the modern meaning of this concept differs significantly from the conventional historical one. So, who is a legionnaire and how was this word formed?

Roman legionaries - who are they?

The establishment of the Roman Empire would be impossible without a strong effective army that helped expand the state's borders. The main unit of the Latins was the Roman legionary.

Legion was the main combat unit, which in different years had 4 to 6 thousand soldiers. Initially, the legion gathered only for the time of the war, and its backbone was made up of free militiamen from among the Romans, Latins and Etruscans, who at that time were the main peoples of the Apennine peninsula.

Expanding the borders of the empire allowed neighboring nations to feel for themselves who is a legionnaire. The heavy trot of Roman soldiers was recognized from the northernmost latitudes of the European continent to the Persian limits in the east and to the sources of the Nile in the south. Rome's legionaries for centuries have become famous as reliable and professional soldiers who do not know defeats.

Structure of the Roman army

If you see this word in historical texts, ask who is a legionnaire in the context of the whole work. During the formation of the republic, legionnaires could only be representatives of the main genera (curia). In the heyday of republican rule, the legions included three varieties of troops. The heavy cavalry included the "golden" Roman youth. Young men from noble and wealthy families in complete equipment, on thoroughbred horses demonstrated valor and courage on the battlefields. Light infantry consisted of free poor citizens (slaves in ancient Rome could not serve in the army). In the ranks of heavy infantry entered the citizens who were able to buy themselves a sword and armor.

Modern legionaries

After the fall of Rome, only priests and eccentrics interested in forgotten history could tell who the legionary was. In our time this word has been revived. Now they call athletes engaged in team sports and temporarily representing a foreign sports club. As can be seen, the word sharply lost its original meaning, ceased to designate a warrior. Now it is used in sports terminology in all European languages.