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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

How could Roman legionnaires march so far in sandals?

Blistering pace? ... Roman legion on the march in the 1951 film Quo Vadis?
Blistering pace? ... Roman legion on the march in the 1951 film Quo Vadis? Photograph: Hulton Getty

Given a decent pair of rubber-soled boots with plenty of ankle support, I think I could match a Roman legionnaire mile for mile. In sandals (even with socks on) I can barely cross the room! How on earth did they conquer an empire without Gor-Tex and Vibram?

Jeremy Muldowney

Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com

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