The Caliga “was a heavy-duty, thick-soled openwork boot, with hobnailed soles” worn by low-ranking Roman soldiers and cavalrymen. They are similar to the cleats we see today on the athletic shoes worn by baseball and football players. These hobnailed-soled sandals were designed to provide optimal grip and foot support. The sandal was secured to the foot by straps that crisscrossed and tied above the ankle, often up the calf to the knee. Not only did the sandal provide sure-footedness, but they made a horrific noise. Imagine the thunderous sound made by the thousands of feet as the Roman legions marched toward their enemy.
Lorica segmentata was the most common armor of the Roman army. It consisted of metal plates that overlapped one another, using leather straps to secure it around the soldier’s torso, covering the shoulders, chest, stomach, and back. A later form of armor the Lorica hamata or mail armor, was made using iron or bronze rings linked together, alternating closed washer-like rings with riveted rings. This made the armor very flexible, reliable, and strong. Mail armor was worn like a shirt and covered the torso from mid-back and down the front, often to the thighs. With proper maintenance, this armor could be used for several decades. Both of these types of armor were effective in repelling arrows and other sharp tools of war.
The scutum shield was used by soldiers of ancient Rome. A large, semi-cylindrical shield, rectangular in shape, with a hand-hold in the center, the shield surrounded the soldier, from approximately the shoulders to the knees (about 37”–42” tall).
The Cassis (combat helmet) was made of iron that covered the head, cheeks, and sometimes with a strip of iron fashioned to cover the nose.
In combat, Roman soldiers carried a long, double-edged sword (either a Gladius or Spatha), a Pugio dagger (a large, leaf-shaped dagger) and either a spear (Hasta) or javelin (Pilum).
Sources: Wikipedia.org/wiki/Caligae; Wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_military_personal_equipment; Wikipedia.org/wiki/Late_Roman_ridge_helmet
Standing firm in a fight, dressed in the armor that can save your life, can be the difference between winning and losing a battle.
It is the same in spiritual warfare.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:13–17
“Our battle will not be with men, although it may appear so; we war ‘not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in high places.’ …
“To every soul will come the searching test, Shall I obey God rather than man? The decisive hour is even at hand. Satan is putting forth his utmost efforts in a last despairing struggle against Christ and His followers. In this closing scene, false teachers are employing every possible device to stimulate the hardened sinner in his rebellious daring, to confirm the questioning, the doubting, the unbelieving, and by misrepresentation and falsehood to deceive, if it were possible, the very elect.
“Who are prepared to stand firmly under the banner on which is inscribed, ‘The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus’?” The Signs of the Times, February 22, 1910
“Do not fear to stand firm for the right under any and all circumstances. Do not think it uncourteous to meet with a decided ‘No,’ those who would suggest evil thoughts, or would urge you to any act which God would not approve.
“ ‘When sinners entice thee, consent thou not.’ Do they sneeringly call you a coward, tell them that if it is cowardly to fear to do wrong, then you are a coward.” Ibid., August 23, 1883
“God wants everyone to stand with the whole armor on, ready for the great review.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 20, 263
“We must put on every piece of the armor, and then stand firm. The Lord has honored us by choosing us as His soldiers. Let us fight bravely for Him, maintaining the right in every transaction. Rectitude in all things is essential to the welfare of the soul. As you strive for the victory over your own inclinations, He will help you by His Holy Spirit to be circumspect in every action, that you may give no occasion for the enemy to speak evil of the truth. Put on as your breastplate that divinely protected righteousness which it is the privilege of all to wear. This will protect your spiritual life.” The Youth’s Instructor, September 12, 1901