A certain number of men were chosen from each tribe by the tribune.

It was divided into centuries, each led by a centurion; and the whole body together was called a legion, from _lego_, to choose.

In later times the proper number for a legion was 6000 men.

Each legion had a standard, a bar across the top of the spear, with the letters on it S P Q R--_Senatus, Populus Que Romanus_--meaning the Roman Senate and People, a purple flag below and a figure above, such as an eagle, or the wolf and twins, or some emblem dear to the Romans.

The legions were on foot, but the troops of patricians and knights on horseback were attached to them and had to protect them.
[Illustration: FEMALE COSTUMES.] The Romans had in those days very small riches, they held in general small farms in the country, which they worked themselves with the help of their sons and slaves.