Final answer:
The Roman Legion, comprising approximately 5000 soldiers and commanded by a legate, was the primary unit of the Roman army. In addition to soldiers, a legion included craftspeople and other assistants as well. Notably, legions were numbered and also carried nicknames based on their place of origin or service.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Roman military unit that was made up of 5000 soldiers is known as a Roman legion. This cornerstone of the Roman army consisted of about five thousand soldiers, which underwent organizational changes over time and was commanded by a legate. A legion is not just made up of soldiers but also included craftspeople and those assisting in building projects.
Legions were numbered and had nicknames based on their place of origin or service and could be moved around the empire. Soldiers served a term, initially it was a sixteen-year term but later it was raised to twenty. They benefited from getting a large portion of the wealth secured during wartime, or land that was promised from the various conflicts that Rome engaged in.
Learn more about Roman legion