What happened to a Roman soldier’s feet after marching 20 miles a day, day after day?

Far from a minor inconvenience, foot care was a matter of survival for the legions: the hobnailed sandal known as the caliga was built for grip and durability, yet blisters, wear, and infection were constant threats, and a man who could not walk was a man the army could not use.

Using archaeological finds of preserved military footwear, tablets from forts like Vindolanda, and military writings on marching discipline, this video reveals the unglamorous reality behind Rome’s legendary mobility.

Would your feet have lasted a single campaign season? Tell us in the comments.