Light Armed Troops vs Auxillia

[jkaler48]

From reading some of the ancient writers I have noted that "light Armed" legionary cohorts are often mentioned but have seen nothing in the way of grave or other monuments
that have been identified as such. It is possible that some of the soldiers shown with Oval shields with Legionary type iconography represent these troops rather than than Legionary "heavy" infantry or Auxiliary troops? Some of the oval shields on Tragen's column seem to have close scuta counterparts.

[The Alexandrian]

I think it's definitely a good possibility that some of the depictions of alleged auxiliaries could in fact represent legionaries.

[jkaler48]

The Roman Republic and the Founder of the Empire By T Rice Holmes 1967
Has extensive discussion of the antisignani which were elite troops on occasion assigned as light armed troops(often in support of cavalry). It is possible the Legions carried extra equipment allowing selected legion troops to also operate as light armed troops or archers and slingers as the situation called for. It might have caused as much confusion for Romes enemies as we have understanding it now.

[sulla felix]

I think it's definitely a good possibility that some of the depictions of alleged auxiliaries could in fact represent legionaries.

..and indeed vice versa!

[Peroni]

A good example is Publius Flavoleius Cordus of LEG XIIII.

He carries an oval shield and light spear...
http://www.romanarmy.com/cms/component/ ... Itemid,94/