Legion vs. Regiment — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 21, 2024
Legion typically refers to a large military unit from ancient Rome, while a regiment is a modern military unit smaller than a division.
Difference Between Legion and Regiment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A legion was a principal unit of the Roman army consisting of 3,000 to 6,000 soldiers, mainly infantry. In contrast, a regiment, commonly found in modern armies, typically comprises several battalions, amounting to about 1,000 to 2,000 soldiers.
While legions were fundamental to Roman military strategy, forming the backbone of their forces, regiments are part of a larger hierarchical structure within contemporary armies, including divisions and corps.
Legions were commanded by a legate and further divided into smaller units like cohorts and centuries, emphasizing a more granular command structure. On the other hand, regiments are usually led by a colonel and might be divided into companies or squadrons, depending on whether the unit is infantry or cavalry, respectively.
Historically, legions were known for their autonomous operations, often stationed far from home and self-sufficient in terms of logistics. In contrast, regiments are more integrated within the national military infrastructure, relying on broader army support for logistics and operations.
The term "legion" has taken on various symbolic and honorary meanings beyond its military origin, denoting vastness or multitude, whereas "regiment" remains strictly tied to its military context.
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Comparison Chart
Size
3,000 to 6,000 soldiers
1,000 to 2,000 soldiers
Composition
Mainly infantry, some cavalry
Infantry, cavalry, or armored depending on type
Command Structure
Led by a legate, divided into cohorts and centuries
Led by a colonel, divided into companies or squadrons
Historical Period
Ancient Rome
Modern times
Role and Operation
Autonomous, strategic military operations
Part of a larger military structure, tactical operations
Compare with Definitions
Legion
A group or movement of people sharing common goals or interests.
Legions of volunteers came together to support the cause.
Regiment
A large number or group, typically in a disciplined context.
A regiment of fans lined up for the new movie premiere.
Legion
A large unit of the Roman army traditionally numbering several thousand soldiers.
The Roman legion was renowned for its discipline and tactical flexibility.
Regiment
Strict control or disciplining of people or activities.
The teacher's regimentation of the classroom ensured a focused learning environment.
Legion
An association or organization, particularly military or related to veterans.
He joined the American Legion to connect with other veterans.
Regiment
A military unit forming part of a division, consisting of a number of battalions or squadrons.
The regiment prepared for deployment to the conflict zone.
Legion
(Informal) A significant number.
She has a legion of reasons for her decision not to attend.
Regiment
The organization or strict structuring of something.
The regimen of daily life at the academy was tough but rewarding.
Legion
A multitude or a large number of people or things.
A legion of fans attended the concert, filling the arena beyond capacity.
Regiment
To organize or manage systematically.
He regimented his day to maximize productivity.
Legion
The major unit of the Roman army consisting of 3,000 to 6,000 infantry troops and 100 to 200 cavalry troops.
Regiment
A regiment is a military unit. Its role and size varies markedly, depending on the country, service and/or a specialisation.
Legion
A large military unit trained for combat; an army.
Regiment
A military unit of ground troops consisting of at least two battalions, usually commanded by a colonel.
Legion
A large number; a multitude.
Regiment
A large group of people.
Legion
Often Legion A national organization of former members of the armed forces.
Regiment
To form (troops) into a regiment or regiments.
Legion
Constituting a large number; multitudinous
Her admirers were legion. His mistakes were legion.
Regiment
To put (things) into systematic order.
Legion
Numerous; vast; very great in number
Russia’s labor and capital resources are woefully inadequate to overcome the state’s needs and vulnerabilities, which are legion.
Dissatisfied customers and their legion complaints
Regiment
To subject (people) to strict control and rigid order.
Legion
The major unit or division of the Roman army, usually comprising 3000 to 6000 infantry soldiers and 100 to 200 cavalry troops.
Regiment
(military) A unit of armed troops under the command of an officer, and consisting of several smaller units; now specifically, usually composed of two or more battalions.
Legion
(military) A combined arms major military unit featuring cavalry, infantry, and artillery, including historical units such as the British Legion, and present-day units such as the Spanish Legion and the French Foreign Legion.
Regiment
Rule or governance over a person, place etc.; government, authority.
Legion
(military) A large military or semi-military unit trained for combat; any military force; an army, regiment; an armed, organized and assembled militia.
Regiment
(obsolete) The state or office of a ruler; rulership.
Legion
(often Legion or the Legion) A national organization or association of former servicemen, such as the American Legion.
Regiment
(obsolete) Influence or control exercised by someone or something (especially a planet).
Legion
A large number of people; a multitude.
Regiment
(obsolete) A place under a particular rule; a kingdom or domain.
Legion
(often plural) A great number.
Regiment
A regimen.
Legion
A group of orders inferior to a class; in scientific classification, a term occasionally used to express an assemblage of objects intermediate between an order and a class.
Regiment
(transitive) To form soldiers into a regiment.
Legion
(transitive) To form into legions.
Regiment
(transitive) To systematize, or put in rigid order.
Legion
A body of foot soldiers and cavalry consisting of different numbers at different periods, - from about four thousand to about six thousand men, - the cavalry being about one tenth.
Regiment
Government; mode of ruling; rule; authority; regimen.
But what are kings, when regiment is gone,But perfect shadows in a sunshine day?
The law of nature doth now require of necessity some kind of regiment.
Legion
A military force; an army; military bands.
Regiment
A region or district governed.
Legion
A great number; a multitude.
Where one sin has entered, legions will force their way through the same breach.
Regiment
A body of men, either horse, foot, or artillery, commanded by a colonel, and consisting of a number of companies, usually ten.
Legion
A group of orders inferior to a class.
Regiment
To form into a regiment or into regiments.
Legion
Archaic terms for army
Regiment
To form into classified units or bodies; to systematize according to classes, districts or the like.
The people are organized or regimented into bodies, and special functions are relegated to the several units.
Legion
Association of ex-servicemen;
The American Legion
Regiment
To organize and manage in a uniform and rigid manner; to control with a strict discipline.
Legion
A large military unit;
The French Foreign Legion
Regiment
Army unit smaller than a division
Legion
A vast multitude
Regiment
Subject to rigid discipline, order, and systematization;
Regiment one's children
Regiment
Form (military personnel) into a regiment
Regiment
Assign to a regiment;
Regiment soldiers
Common Curiosities
How were Roman legions supplied compared to modern regiments?
Roman legions often had to be self-sufficient, securing their own supplies through foraging or local sourcing, whereas modern regiments are supported by extensive and centralized military logistics networks.
How did the tactical use of Roman legions differ from that of modern regiments?
Roman legions were used for large-scale maneuvers and formed the core of Roman military strategy, often engaging in set-piece battles and sieges, while modern regiments are used in a variety of roles from peacekeeping to full-scale warfare, often with support from air and naval forces.
What roles did cavalry play in a Roman legion compared to a modern regiment?
In a Roman legion, cavalry roles were limited and primarily for scouting and communication, whereas in modern regiments, cavalry (whether traditional or armored) plays a crucial role in mobility, charge, and frontline combat.
What kind of training did soldiers in a Roman legion undergo compared to those in a modern regiment?
Soldiers in a Roman legion underwent rigorous physical and combat training, focusing on formation and melee combat; modern regiment soldiers receive comprehensive training that includes advanced weapon systems, tactics, and support technology.
What is the historical significance of legions in the expansion of the Roman Empire?
Legions were crucial in the military conquests that expanded the Roman Empire, securing territories and enforcing Roman control over a vast region.
How do the living conditions in a Roman legion compare to those in a modern regiment?
Soldiers in a Roman legion often lived in fortified camps with basic amenities, while modern regiment soldiers might be housed in barracks or deployed with mobile, modern facilities, reflecting advancements in military infrastructure.
How has the concept of a regiment evolved over time?
The concept of a regiment has evolved from merely a battlefield unit to a complex organization that incorporates various types of troops and support units, reflecting advancements in military strategy and technology.
How are the terms "legion" and "regiment" used symbolically in language?
"Legion" is often used to describe a vast number of entities or a forceful impact, symbolic of its historical might, while "regiment" is used to convey organized, systematic order and discipline.
How do leadership roles and responsibilities differ between a Roman legion and a modern regiment?
Leadership in a Roman legion involved not only military command but also civil administration and judicial roles in occupied territories, whereas modern regiment leaders focus more on military operations, personnel management, and strategy implementation within defined military guidelines.
Are there any modern equivalents to the Roman legion?
While modern military units like divisions or brigades could be considered equivalents in terms of strategic importance, the size and structure of Roman legions have no direct modern counterpart.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
