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+--- Thread: Republican Post-Marian Legions (/showthread.php?tid=7246)
Republican Post-Marian Legions - Screaming Eagle - 10-28-2006
Could someone please verify the organisation and equipment of Republican Post-Marian Legions?
I understand the following:
Lorica Hamata (as opposed to segmentata).
Augustan Shield (any more info on its make-up would be appreciated).
Coolus, Montefortino or Imperial Italic Helmet.
Mainz or Pompeii Gladius.
Any other information would be greatly appreciated.
Re: Republican Post-Marian Legions - Matthew Amt - 10-28-2006
Ave!
Well, you might have to narrow down your time-frame some, since there was a lot of change between Marius and Augustus, at least with some items. It is generally believed that the Pompeii gladius and Italic helmets don't appear until early AD, for instance. The old Republican oval scutum could have continued into the Empire, or the "cut-down" "Augustan" style could have been introduced during Marius' time. Or both! There's a lot of gray area.
Typically, reconstructions of a Marian legionary would have oval scutum, Montefortino helmet, lorica hamata, and gladius hispaniensis. Fifty years later, under Caesar, same helmet, armor, and maybe shield, though the sword could also be a Mainz. By the time of Augustus, the Coolus is in use as well, and shields are generally believed to be the shorter curve-sided style. Mail is still the main armor, but the earliest lorica segmentata shows up late BC. You could still find legionaries Coolus helmet, hamata, Augustan shield, and Mainz gladius right through mid-first century AD, right alongside Italic and Gallic helmets, segmentata, Pompeii gladii, and rectangular scuta.
Hit a few books! They are your friends, and will build the images better in your mind. For more details on what all the parts look like, my own Legio XX site isn't a bad start:
http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
Have fun, and Vale,
Matthew
Re: Republican Post-Marian Legions - Screaming Eagle - 10-28-2006
Yes, I've found your site to be invaluable with regard to research, and I will definitely hit some books, as you say.
Gratiae!