What did Roman Generals...?

Question

What did Roman Generals look like? During Caesar's time (58BC -45 BC), I can't find any good pictures on armor!

Answer 1

Contrary to the Hollywood version, they did not race about the countryside in chariots, but rode horses.

The officers, that is tribunes upwards, wore a metal breast and backplate, often referred to as a "muscle" cuirass as it mimicked the muscles of the torso and bore moulded decoration of torques, wreaths, eagles and ribbons. This would be worn over the standard tunica, a woollen tunic reaching the knees and with short sleeves.

A red military cloak went over all this and on the feet military boots (often termed buskins) with open toes would be worn. These boots, and the style of armour, marked out the wearer as an officer.

A gladius (short sword) and Attic style helmet with elaborate moulded decoration would complete the outfit - the amount of gilded decoration would set a general apart from lower ranking officers. Military tribunes and prefects wore two vertical purple stripes (of differing widths) on the tunic, but this would be difficult to spot under the other clothing.

A general would also carry his badge of rank - a short, white baton with a gold eagle ornament at one end.

Answer 2

Good question - but frustrating in its answer if you are interested in their faces. (That's how I perceived your question.)
Look at this Wiki site below for some likenesses of
Pompey the Great. There are only marble busts (head statues) and faces on coins to go by. There were no painted portraits to show Roman leaders. Same thing for Julius Caesar and others.