Leves

Leves (Singular: "Levis") were a class of infantry in the armies of the early Roman Republic who fought as skirmishers, flinging javelins at their enemies. Being the youngest and some of the poorest men in the legion, they could not afford much equipment, and were the support troops in the legion with small shields and no armour. Their usual position was the first battle line, where they fought alongside heavier hastati. They fought in a loose formation, supporting the heavier troops. They were eventually done away with after the Marian reforms of 107 BC.]

ee also

* Equites

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