07-01-2015, 12:43 AM
Yes, I agree that Armamentaria is very good. Many times I wish I could afford some of their offerings but international shipping charges and all have been problematic….For me at least.
I'd also recommend looking at Leg. XX's page at www.larp.com/legioxx
They give a lot of excellent information and a lot of references.
Speaking of which, if you get serious about this Roman stuff, look to get "Roman Military Equipment" by Bishop & Coulston, worth its weight in gold. Also, work by Graham Sumner ("Roman MIlitary Clothing"), and Richard Alston.
Check out Acacemia.edu, where you can download many monographs and papers for free, with many by those authors.
(I do NOT recommend anything by Dando-Collins. Not to start another flame-war. The work doesn't seem to reference much of the academic research. It seems to me, designed to be more like "Coffee Table Book" reading and not a serious, academic study. IMHO)
I, personally, advise new Romans to take it slow and steady. Research as best you can, and work up your "soft kit" first (no body armor) until you feel you can afford armor "off the shelf", or, even better, making it yourself at your own pace. (like the instructions on Leg XX's page, also pay close attention to their "What Not To Buy" listings, and be aware of sub-par gear on other vendor sites). Try to base your gear on archaeological finds as best you can -But don't freak out if it's not 'just right' overnight. You can always replace gear with better/upgrades/modifications. If it takes you a month to make a belt (or armor, etc), that fits you properly and you're satisfied with the work/quality you put into it, that will be so much better than shelling out a lot of money for a belt that doesn't fit, you'd have to modify or replace, etc.
Good luck!
I'd also recommend looking at Leg. XX's page at www.larp.com/legioxx
They give a lot of excellent information and a lot of references.
Speaking of which, if you get serious about this Roman stuff, look to get "Roman Military Equipment" by Bishop & Coulston, worth its weight in gold. Also, work by Graham Sumner ("Roman MIlitary Clothing"), and Richard Alston.
Check out Acacemia.edu, where you can download many monographs and papers for free, with many by those authors.
(I do NOT recommend anything by Dando-Collins. Not to start another flame-war. The work doesn't seem to reference much of the academic research. It seems to me, designed to be more like "Coffee Table Book" reading and not a serious, academic study. IMHO)
I, personally, advise new Romans to take it slow and steady. Research as best you can, and work up your "soft kit" first (no body armor) until you feel you can afford armor "off the shelf", or, even better, making it yourself at your own pace. (like the instructions on Leg XX's page, also pay close attention to their "What Not To Buy" listings, and be aware of sub-par gear on other vendor sites). Try to base your gear on archaeological finds as best you can -But don't freak out if it's not 'just right' overnight. You can always replace gear with better/upgrades/modifications. If it takes you a month to make a belt (or armor, etc), that fits you properly and you're satisfied with the work/quality you put into it, that will be so much better than shelling out a lot of money for a belt that doesn't fit, you'd have to modify or replace, etc.
Good luck!
Andy Volpe
"Build a time machine, it would make this [hobby] a lot easier."
https://www.facebook.com/LegionIIICyr/
Legion III Cyrenaica ~ New England U.S.
Higgins Armory Museum 1931-2013 (worked there 2001-2013)
(Collection moved to Worcester Art Museum)
"Build a time machine, it would make this [hobby] a lot easier."
https://www.facebook.com/LegionIIICyr/
Legion III Cyrenaica ~ New England U.S.
Higgins Armory Museum 1931-2013 (worked there 2001-2013)
(Collection moved to Worcester Art Museum)
