Which armament is the standard close-combat weapon of Roman infantry, popular for stabbing in tight formations?

• A. Pilum
• B. Auxiliaries
• C. Gladius
• D. Lepidus

Answer: (C)

This question tests knowledge of the weapon Romans relied on for close-quarters fighting in their legions. The standard close-combat armament was the gladius, a short, double-edged sword designed for thrusting in crowded ranks. Its compact size and balance let a soldier stab forward efficiently while using the shield to hold a tight line, making it highly effective in tight formations such as the testudo-like depths of Roman formations and during the thrusts of cohort battles.

The pilum, by contrast, is a throwing spear meant to disrupt enemy lines before contact, not the primary tool for stabbing in close combat. The other terms refer to categories or individuals rather than weapons—Auxiliaries are troops, and Lepidus is a political figure—so they don’t describe the standard melee armament of Roman infantry.