Livy describes all the major conflicts in his history of Rome, including the Samnite wars, while illustrating the norms and values of Rome’s adversaries and their military characteristics. The following description is probably the most extensive source about Samnite equipment:
The enemy, besides their other warlike preparations, had made their battle-line to glitter with new and splendid arms. There were two corps: the shields of the one were inlaid with gold, of the other with silver. The shape of the shield was this: the upper part, where it protected the breast and shoulders, was rather broad, with a level top; below it was somewhat tapering, to make it easier to handle. They wore a sponge to protect the breast, and the left leg was covered with a greave. Their helmets were crested, to make their stature appear greater. The tunics of the gilded warriors were part-coloured; those of the silvern ones were
