What was the primary weapon used by Roman soldiers called?

The primary weapon used by Roman soldiers, particularly in the context of close combat, was indeed the gladius. This short sword was designed for slashing and stabbing, making it highly effective in the tight formations that Roman soldiers typically employed. The gladius was essential in the hand-to-hand combat scenarios faced by soldiers on the battlefield.

While the pilum, which is a type of throwing spear used to disrupt enemy formations before engaging in close combat, was indeed an important weapon for Roman soldiers, it was not their primary weapon. Instead, the pilum was typically used to throw at enemies just before the soldiers advanced to combat with their gladii.

The other weapons mentioned, such as the pugio (a type of dagger) and spears, also had roles in Roman military strategy but were not considered the standard primary weapon for Roman infantry. The gladius remains the most iconic and recognized weapon associated with Roman legionaries, symbolizing their fighting prowess and military discipline.