Information about 3the century Auxiliary

[hadrianusauxiliary]

Hello,
I'm new and have almost no material at all. I would like to get to know as much as possible about how to make materials myself (e.g. shields, leather rim, clothing,...) for an auxiliary of this perioth (early third century).
Is there anybody who has experience with this perioth?
What are goog providers and whant not?
Would a Nierdebieber helmet do the job for an infantry unit?
Does anybody possess the measurements of a shield of this perioth?
Could a deepeeka spath be used, or does it need adaptation?
I know the infantry uses the an adaptation of the spata, but in withc sence was it addepted? (length??)
What is good literature about this specific perioth?

I've so much questions about this subject, so I've you've any experience with it, mail me please.

[Lvcivs Commodvs Cicero]

Hadrians,

Do you want to be a late roman or an Imperial roman auxilary?

The Herculani are a French Belgic group.

http://users.swing.be/stephane/herculiani.htm

http://www.fectio.org.uk/articles/makescutum.htm

http://www.vicus.org.uk/

You can check out the link in my signature as well.

[hadrianusauxiliary]

Valete,
Thx already for the information.
I know my name isn't very well chosen, regarding the period, but my interest was awoken on Hadrian's wall. I'm defintely interested in thrid century auxiliary troops,
best regards

[Robert Vermaat]

Hi Hadrianus,

Gaius Fortunatus has a very good site for a 3rd c. auxiliary infantryman here:
[url:2bpnwg18]http://www.geocities.com/zozergames/roman.html[/url]

[Mithras]

Thanks Robert, for the link.

Cohors Quinta Gallorum [url:3uk0cun6]http://www.quintagallorum.co.uk/[/url] re-enact an early 3rdC auxiliary unit on the Wall.

I use a Deepeeka spatha, [url:3uk0cun6]http://www.deepeeka.com/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=3093[/url], but I had to change the scabbard, strip off all that brass, ditch the ring suspension (why?? it has a scabbard slide on already...) and change the Continental circular chape for a more suitable British version.

Look to FECTIO, Robert's site on how to make a 3rdC infantry shield.

Helmets - not too sure on. But the Niederheim (sp?) is probably right for 200 AD (don't quote me!).

[Anonymous]

A Niederbieber is fine for the early 3rd. Either in iron or copper alloy. They were probably still in use right into the last quarter of the 3rd.

Below is a link to my 3rd century auxiliary helmet. It could though just as easily be used for legionary impression.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/S ... CN0460.jpg

Best wishes

Andrew

[Sassanid]

Aurelius is no more. I back to being Sassanid.:lol: Why I have only got 76 posts now is a mystery though? Oh well...

Andrew

[hadrianusauxiliary]

Thx all for the usefull links.
Where did you got your helmet from Sassanid? It seems very nice.
Does any body has precise measurements for making shields of this period? COH V Gallo possesses shields that are nbo langer are ellipses.
The shield of "Gaius Fortunatus" on the other hand seems more like an ellpis to me.
What would be the most used form about 200-230 A.D.?
Does it depend upon the unit?

Valete,
Hadrianusauxiliary

[FAVENTIANVS]

Wasn't supposed to get fused both legionary and auxiliary cathegories when Roman citizenship became available to everybody born within the frontiers of the Empire in III century?

[Sassanid]

Wasn't supposed to get fused both legionary and auxiliary cathegories when Roman citizenship became available to everybody born within the frontiers of the Empire in III century?

Hi Faventianvs

At the beginning of, and to at least the mid 3rd century I think there was still a distinct difference (though lessening) between legionary and auxiliary units in the Roman army. By the end though, and the beginning of the 4th century, there had indeed been a fusing of the troop categories.

Hi Hadrianusauxiliary

The helmet was made in the UK for me by an armourer called Steve Hamblin. I can email you his email adddress if you are interested?

Andrew

[hadrianusauxiliary]

Hello,
If I'm not badly informed the fushing of legionary and auxiliary troops started only after the date that all free bron men were considered to be roman citizins, about 212 AD I think. So I suppose that the fushing of both troops started only afterwards. In the period I wish to re-enact there should still be a small difference between legionary and auxiliary troops
Valete

[hadrianusauxiliary]

Hello Andrew,
If you would have the mailadres of the blacksmith/armouror who made that piece of art, I love to have it, Thx
Valete

[hadrianusauxiliary]

Hello Andrew,
Does this Blacksmith has all the information he needs to know to make the helmet or does he need pics and measurements to make it?
I'm going to ask a probably stupid question, but in Roman times were these helmets made on measurement or was there a general production in different measurements allowing to a soldier to get one that fittet more or less?
Valete

[Marcus Mummius]

Salve Steven,

I think helmets were made in large amounts and to a lesser extend custom made. The helmets massproduced in fabricae would be of different sizes, maybe not on purpose but because the starting material for each helmet differed. It's a natural state of affairs. I believe new recruits would go to the armamentaium in their camp/fort and try on some of the helmets until they found one that fitted them nicely. After some years of service the soldier might decide he wants to spend some of his money on a fancier helmet and he could have one custom made(if he had not lost all of his money by gambling that is ).

If you've e-mailed that UK blacksmith will you let me know, I'm quite curious as to what his prices and waiting times are.

Vale,
Marcus/Jef

[Sassanid]

Hi Steven and Jef,

I have indeed sent Steven Steve's email address. The helmets he makes are custom made. As I live in the UK I visited him and he measured my head. He then made a simple wooden model of it, which he then formed the helmet over. This ensures a very good fit. There is very little room for padding which is as it should be with Roman helmets. You can though measure your own head (using plumbing solder) and send the measurements to him. You can discuss that with him. He can also make helmets completly out of brass if you prefer, and I know he likes the idea of embossing and pouncing (must get the spelling right here :lol: ).

I also have a second helmet, late 2nd, early 3rd century. This though was made by Toni Feldon. It was dearer though as it has much more decoration. For a similar helmet Steve would probably charge the same. It was more than likely a cavalry helmet but we cannot actually be sure.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/S ... CN0453.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/S ... eldon1.jpg

Andrew