Hastati

The hastati were armed with a hasta, a spear like the ones used by the triarii, the gladius and a smaller shield, the parma. After a Republican reform the hastatii were issued with 4 foot javelins with 9 inch tips, called pila, along with the standard short sword, or gladius.
Their armor consisted of the standard bronze helmet of the Roman Army at the time, decorated with additional large plumes. The Hastati also wore a bronze breastplate, or chain mail if the soldier preferred and could afford it.
As the first battle line, the Hastati were immediately behind the velites and in front of the principes, which were in front of the triarii.
The Hastati were sent into battle first, and commonly withdrew to the Principe line to allow for a counterattack.