=269. Training of the Legionaries: the _Pilum_ and the _Gladius_.=--Quadratus, under very severe drill masters, learned the use of weapons. Nothing could take the place, so he was taught, of cool proficiency with sword and javelin. It was the trained valor of the average Roman legionary, not the skill often of his commanders, that had given to the Cæsars the mastery of the world, and while the discipline was strict, and the training incessant, pains were taken not to destroy the young man’s self-respect, or those powers of initiative which were the glory of his profession. He was taught furthermore to despise those enemies, who, like the old Macedonians, were so lacking in personal resources that they had to go into battle wedged together shield to shield with long spears bristling in front--the rigid “phalanx” formation. This is excellent on level ground when the foe is all ahead, but often becomes a source of danger to itself because the closely packed soldiers are deprived of any chance to display personal valor, and are almost helpless to change position if attacked on flank or rear. Quadratus in his training was taught to stand five feet from his comrades on either side with plenty of room to swing his shield and javelin. [Illustration: STORMING A CITY WITH THE _Testudo_.] Long exercise made him a master of his two weapons. The heavy javelin (_pilum_) is a devilish missile, as every foe of Rome has learned to his cost. It is about six and a half feet long with a heavy wooden butt and a long blade-like head, usually barbed and razor keen. Flung by a practiced soldier at short range it can knock down any adversary who is not firmly braced, even if it does not pierce his shield. Once lodged in the shield it is no light thing to draw it out and not expose oneself to a second deadlier blow. The pilum, they told Quadratus, was what had really made the Roman Empire possible; but it is duly supplemented by the Spanish short sword (_gladius_). This is a weapon borrowed, perhaps, from Spain but thoroughly Italianized. The blade is about thirty-three inches long, two-edged, sharp-pointed, and always used for thrusting. The instant a legionary has flung his pilum, and while his foe if not wounded is at least utterly demoralized from the shock, he whips his gladius from his thigh and leaps upon him. A single good thrust will disembowel a man, and he who is thus assailed by a trained Roman swordsman should pray to his native gods--he will need all aid possible. [Illustration: CATAPULT.]