Roman Army Museum in Rome: Become a Roman Soldier

Res Militares is an interactive Roman army museum in Rome. Wear Roman armor, train with a shield and gladius, throw the pilum and discover how Roman legionaries lived and fought.
More than a traditional museum, Res Militares offers a hands-on Roman experience for families, history lovers and curious travellers.

Become a Legionary

More Than a Roman Army Museum

At Res Militares, history is not simply displayed behind glass.

You can wear Roman military equipment, handle historically inspired reproductions and discover how the weapons and armor of a Roman legionary were actually used.

You do not just read about Roman soldiers.

You train like one.

You do not simply look at a gladius, shield or pilum.

You experience how Roman legionaries used them.

This combination of historical interpretation and practical activities makes Res Militares a different kind of Roman army museum: an immersive experience where visitors become part of the story.

Experience Life as a Roman Legionary

Your journey into the Roman Army begins the moment you enter Res Militares.

Discover the equipment, weapons and military techniques that helped transform the Roman legions into one of the most organized military forces of the ancient world.

Wear Roman Legionary Armor

Try historically inspired Roman military equipment and discover what it felt like to carry the armor and equipment of a legionary.

Learn about Roman helmets, shields, body armor and the evolution of military equipment throughout Roman history.

Train with a Shield and Gladius

Take a Roman shield and wooden gladius and learn some of the movements and techniques used by Roman soldiers. Discover the importance of training, discipline and coordination within the Roman Army.

Discover Roman Combat Techniques

Learn how legionaries protected themselves, moved during combat and used their equipment as part of an organized military formation.

Throw the Roman Pilum

Discover one of the most recognizable weapons of the Roman legion. Learn how the pilum was used and experience the technique of throwing this famous Roman javelin yourself.

A Roman Army Museum You Can Experience

Visiting Ancient Rome usually means seeing temples, ruins, statues and archaeological remains.

At Res Militares, you can approach Roman history from a completely different perspective.

Instead of simply observing the past, visitors can interact with historically inspired military equipment and discover what everyday military life may have been like for a Roman legionary.

The experience is designed for adults, families, groups and anyone fascinated by Ancient Rome and Roman military history.

Roman Army Experience

Choose Your Tier

All prices include taxes

Hastati

Basic

29€

per person

Included

Guided Tour + basic equipment
Tour guidato + equipaggiamento base

Light sparring and Testudo

Not included

Pilum Throwing

Digital Photos

Military Diploma

Epic Reel · Helmet Photo · VR/AR · Gladius -10%

★ Most Popular

Principes

Advance

37€

per person

Included

Guided Tour + basic equipment
Tour guidato + equipaggiamento base

Light sparring and Testudo

Pilum Throwing
Lancio Pilum

Digital Photos

Not included

Military Diploma

Epic Reel · Helmet Photo · VR/AR · Gladius -10%

Triarii

Premium

49€

per person

Included

Guided Tour + basic equipment
Tour guidato + equipaggiamento base

Light sparring and Testudo

Pilum Throwing
Lancio Pilum

Digital Photos

Military Diploma (digital)

Tailor made Epic Reel
Reel Epico su misura

Digital Photo with Helmets
Foto con Elmi a scelta

VR/AR Monuments of Rome
(see VR/AR section on website)

10% Discount on Gladius

A complimentary magnet worth €8.

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Discover Roman Military Equipment

A visit to Res Militares is also an opportunity to understand the equipment used by Roman soldiers.

During the experience you can discover historically inspired reproductions of:

Roman shields
gladius
pilum
Roman helmets
military armor
lorica segmentata
legionary equipment

Rather than simply displaying these objects, Res Militares explains their purpose, how they were used and why Roman military equipment was so important to the effectiveness of the legion.

Take Home a Piece of Rome

Roman Souvenirs and Historical Replicas

After your experience, you can also discover Roman-inspired souvenirs and historical replicas connected to the world of the legionaries.

From military-inspired objects to gifts linked to Ancient Rome, the Res Militares collection offers something different from conventional tourist souvenirs.

Soon online

Roman History Meets Virtual Reality

Roman history can also be experienced through technology.

Res Militares combines historical interpretation with an immersive virtual reality experience designed to bring visitors closer to the world of Ancient Rome.

Created by a Passion for Roman Military History

Res Militares was created from a passion for Roman history, Roman military culture and historical reenactment. Here you will meet David, the business owner and the creator of Res Militares.

The experience draws inspiration from archaeological evidence, historical research and reconstructed Roman military equipment to introduce visitors to the practical realities of legionary life.

The goal is to make Roman history easier to understand by allowing visitors not only to see it, but also to interact with it.

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Res Militares

5.0

Based on 112 reviews

review us on

blake newman

2 years ago

David was extremely informative and friendly, the museum was interactive and engaging, and acting out battle as a roman was fun. Will definitely go again the next time we are in Rome

Victor Volpe

2 years ago

This was one of the best experiences I had in Rome. Absolutely fascinating. I will for sure recommend to anyone I know that will be in the city. David knows a lot about the Roman Legions and has an impressive didactic. He gave us a complete breakdown of their tactics, weapons and evolution overtime, all in a perfectly spoken English. Me and my fiancée were a bit skeptical to do it, but I am glad we gave him a vote of confidence. I truly expect his work to become more known and that this place keeps growing. He totally deserves it.

Andrew Dunnuck

2 years ago

For the ancient Roman military scholar. My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting Res Militaires on the last day of our trip to Rome. For a reasonable price David educated us on the various weapons and equipment that soldiers of the Legions used as well as giving us a hands on view of the swords and shields. I was impressed with David’s level of knowledge as well as his enthusiastic approach to teaching at a level anyone can understand regardless of their own knowledge. We really enjoyed getting to learn exactly how soldiers fought and the lessons taught by the owner were easily the best part of the whole tour. My wife and I throughly enjoyed the experience and walked away with a smiles on our faces. Please go and check it out while in Rome for a once in a lifetime experience.

Brett Hopley

2 years ago

A true hidden gem in Rome. The experience was hands-on, learning about armor, weapons, and battle formations. One of the highlights was the opportunity to practice Roman fighting tactics, utilising different shields and defences and includes throwing a Pilum. The owner’s step-by-step explanations made the complex techniques accessible, and I truly felt like I had gained an appreciation for the discipline and strategy that defined Roman warfare. What really set this experience apart was the owner’s depth of knowledge and enthusiasm. He answered every question with incredible detail and passion, making the experience feel personalized and engaging. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about the Roman Empire, this is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about ancient warfare. Highly recommend!

Federico Bergamo

2 years ago

Best historical Roman military showroom and testing ground ever in Rome and probably one of the best in the world!

Erik We

2 years ago

This museum was in the top three of our 'must do' list, and it was totally worth it. Davide offers valuable insights into a key element of the roman warmachine. While the museum is rather small, the tour offers hands-on experience of the armory and fighting techniques back in the days. It is important to highlight that our guide really likes this job, and his enthusiasm made the whole tour an incredible experience. We've been four guys, which is the optimal group size for a tour. However, smaller groups will have fun as well. Overall, we can totally recommend visiting this museum. It is a hidden gem.

Bryan Coward

2 years ago

I took my two boys (ages 8 and 5) to this museum and words cannot describe how much fun we had. Davide spent over 30 minutes with us, teaching them how Ancient Roman Legionnaires fought with swords, shields, and javelins. He was so patient and informative with my children as they "trained" with him. We all learned a lot and had a blast. You can really tell this is Davide's passion. The experience he's created is very unique in Rome and not to be missed. This is a very special memory the three of us will have forever.

Drina Cambria

2 years ago

Stumbled upon this newly opened museum by chance and my Roman Empire loving husband stopped in his tracks. We walked in and the owner (I think his name is David) was so friendly and informative. We joined a couple others for the short tour then was able to actually be trained with a shield (scrums) and a wooden gladius. Our party consisted of a range of previous familiarity - I went in with zero previous knowledge and my husband is a total Ancient Rome enthusiast - and the information David gave was so informative in an easy to comprehend manner that we all thoroughly enjoyed it! You can tell that the owner really knows his stuff, he’s an endless fountain of Roman Army knowledge and I’m so glad we got to experience it! Absolutely recommend stopping in!

George White

2 years ago

This was a fantastic experience and one of the highlights of our trip. David went above and beyond in every possible way I cannot recommend this experience enough. It is great for both adults and children. We got to experience what it was like to be a Roman soldier over 1000 years, there’s no other place that has let us experience using and holding a sword and shield that a real Roman soldier used. It was absolutely the highlight of our trip. I will be visiting every time we go to Rome.

Visit Our Roman Army Museum in Rome

Res Militares is located at:

Via Labicana 46, 00184 Rome, Italy

Its location makes it easy to combine your Roman Army experience with a day exploring the ancient monuments and archaeological sites of Rome.

Booking is mandatory, the location will be opened by reservation only. Book at least 12 hours in advance (you can contact + 39 320 630 7918 for an urgent booking to check availabilities on the same day, but in this case the tour is not guaranteed)

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What is Res Militares?

Res Militares is an interactive Roman military experience in Rome where visitors can wear Roman-inspired armor, train with a shield and wooden gladius, throw a pilum and discover the history of Roman legionaries.

Is Res Militares a traditional Roman army museum?

No. Res Militares goes beyond the traditional Roman army museum concept. Visitors do not simply look at military equipment: they can interact with historically inspired reproductions and take part in practical activities related to Roman legionary life.

What can I do during the experience?

Depending on the package selected, visitors can wear Roman military equipment, train with a shield and wooden gladius, learn basic Roman combat techniques and throw a pilum.

Can children participate?

Yes. Children can participate in selected experiences when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.

Where is Res Militares located?

Res Militares is located at Via Labicana 46, 00184 Rome, Italy

Should I book in advance?

Yes. Booking is mandatory, as Res Militares opens by reservation only. Please book at least 12 hours before your visit. For a same-day request, call +39 320 630 7918 to check availability. Same-day tours are not guaranteed.