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+--- Thread: Identifying the dead (/showthread.php?tid=31251)
Identifying the dead - Lothia - 03-16-2020
Ave Civitas,
I am writing a novel whose subject is the Battle of Frigidus.
In the aftermath of a battle of that scale, how did they identify the dead?
I have never heard of Roman Army Dog Tags.
I have read somewhere where the soldiers name was etched onto their helmets.
But really. How did they identify the dead and incapacitated?
Again, thank you in advance,
Tom
RE: Identifying the dead - Crispianus - 03-16-2020
(03-16-2020, 05:58 AM)Lothia Wrote: Ave Civitas,
I am writing a novel whose subject is the Battle of Frigidus.
In the aftermath of a battle of that scale, how did they identify the dead?
I have never heard of Roman Army Dog Tags.
I have read somewhere where the soldiers name was etched onto their helmets.
But really. How did they identify the dead and incapacitated?
Again, thank you in advance,
Tom
Seems likely that at least some would have gear that would be named, also possibly a "Signaculum" though I have no idea if this is correct I understand it to be a name stamp of sorts, see Artefacts for various forms (you need to join to view the link or search for Signaculum)
RE: Identifying the dead - Lothia - 03-16-2020
Really great information.
Thank you guys very much.
Tom
RE: Identifying the dead - Renatus - 03-17-2020
Vegetius says that the name of the soldier and his cohort or century were inscribed on his shield (Veg. 2. 18. 2). Cassius Dio speaks of the introduction of the custom of inscribing the name of the soldier and that of his centurion on his shield in c. AD 89 (Cass. Dio, 67. 10. 1).
RE: Identifying the dead - Lothia - 03-17-2020
Renatus,
Thanks for the reply. I will add this to my notes for when I get to the post-battle scenes.
Tom
RE: Identifying the dead - brennivs - tony drake - 03-17-2020
In our group we all wear Signacvlvm lead tablets in a pouch around our necks, shields swords ect with names on also. However for your time frame they may have still been in use however a tatoo or brand mark may have been more the norm. As to equipment I must admit I have not seen names on late period swords or helmets compared to 1st AD.
Regards Brennivs
RE: Identifying the dead - Lothia - 03-18-2020
Thank you.
RE: Identifying the dead - Jason Micallef - 05-26-2020
I would be inclined to think that records were kept of men who were in each unit.
So after a battle, a simple gathering up of all the survivors into their respective century/units, should give an easy indication as to who is not present being likely amongst the dead.
RE: Identifying the dead - Renatus - 05-26-2020
That would only indicate who was missing. They might be dead, wounded, captured or have simply fled. The identifying of individual corpses on the battlefield is another matter entirely.
RE: Identifying the dead - Ildar - 06-10-2020
Some Late Roman sources indicate that certain signa (Veg. Mil. I.8; II.5) or state stigmata (CTh. X.22.4) were applied to the hands of tirones and fabricenses (armourers) to prevent desertion. Apparently, these signs were tattoos.
RE: Identifying the dead - Lothia - 06-13-2020
(06-10-2020, 06:39 PM)Ildar Wrote: Some Late Roman sources indicate that certain signa (Veg. Mil. I.8; II.5) or state stigmata (CTh. X.22.4) were applied to the hands of tirones and fabricenses (armourers) to prevent desertion. Apparently, these signs were tattoos.Thank you for your response.