Unstoppable Army

[Gleemonex]

The Roman Army's true claims to fame were/are basically modularity, adaptability and logistical mastery.

I'd be content to leave the subsequent post be, but this thread is called "Unstoppable Army". [1]

The Romans had a uniform army that was exceedingly skilled with the Roman sword-fighting techniques, the most effective in the world.

They had a uniform army with standardised training. [2]

Modularity and logistics.

Each piece of their equipment was specially designed for a specific purpose. Their sword, the gladius, was not too long, both slashing and thrusting, but primarily used for thrusting, which inflicts the most damage.

Idea taken from the Celtiberians. (Hint: Its full name is Gladius Hispaniensis)

Adaptability.

Their shield, scutum, was very large and practical, being rectangular, with curved edges to better deflect blows. The shields were relatively light but yet strong, with an iron boss.

The scutum was effective but unremarkable on its own. I would hope it deflects blows -- it's a shield!

The helmets, specifically the Coolus and Imperial Gallic type were masterpieces of their own, especially with the front ridges, to protect from overhead slashing strokes and with the large ear/cheek pieces that covered most of the face.

The Coolus and Imperial Gallic were both adapted from Celtic designs.

Adaptability and logistics.

Similar things can be said about the armour as well. In general, Roman equipment outclassed the enemies'.

Because it learned from its enemies -- usually after the Romans getting their asses handed to them in the initial encounter.

Adaptability.

The enemies of Rome possessed very few select units that were superior to, the early imperial legionaries, for example.

Early Imperial Legionaries knew better than to wander into Parthia.

The Romans, on the other hand had legions and legions of their standardised soldiers in addition to the supplemental auxilia, which was often just as numerous.

Modularity and logistics.

Even if the enemies did happen to have superior soldiers, the Roman fighting style (as well as tactics for that matter), in my opinion, far outclassed anything their enemies used, especially the more individualistic fighting styles of the northern barbarians.

I can grant you that opinion, but that alone doesn't prove that the Roman Army was "unstoppable". As I said in my previous post, the Roman Army was famous, but its combat prowess alone wasn't the source of that fame.

-Glee

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[1] I should point out that I wasn't trying to damn the Roman military machine with faint praise, as you seem to have taken it. Logistics is arguably the most important aspect of generalship! And its modularity allowed generals like Scipio Africanus to fully exercise their genius.

[2] Also, I'd be exceedingly surprised if anyone knew more about Roman sword-fighting techniques than the Romans.