The Roman Empire was the post-Republican state of ancient Rome. This empire existed from roughly 27 BC to 476 AD. A fully equipped Roman legionary was armed with a sword, a shield, one or two javelins, and a dagger. The Roman sword is referred to as the “gladius” and was used by Roman foot soldiers throughout history. The shield design inspiration is from a carving in Trajan's Column. Trajan's Column is a Roman triumphal column in Rome, Italy, that commemorates Roman emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars.