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What does it mean to be a Late Roman soldier from the East? - I often think to myself. What are general traits in the equipment, which differ from the Western, if you think in generalized ways.
First, I imagine soldiers more often wearing only puttees without pants, for dealing with the hot climate. They wear pilos, phrygian caps and straw hats more frequently, than in the West.
I also imagine them using swords and spears more robust then the average - a useful thing when it comes to well-armored Sassanids.
What traits come in your mind?
Mark - Legio Leonum Valentiniani
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Forgot to put it under the proper category...please move it to another!
Mark - Legio Leonum Valentiniani
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I see no real difference, actually. The Western empire also had hot climates, such as Africa or the Mediterranean. Also, you could serve in pretty cold climates when serving in the East.
And any reason why arms should 'more robust'? I see no reason for them all to be standard issue, which sems to be confirmed by the archaeological record.
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How late are you talking about?
Ivor
"And the four bare walls stand on the seashore. a wreck a skeleton a monument of that instability and vicissitude to which all things human are subject. Not a dwelling within sight, and the farm labourer, and curious traveller, are the only persons that ever visit the scene where once so many thousands were congregated." T.Lewin 1867
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4-5th c.
Mark - Legio Leonum Valentiniani
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No real difference until after the Professional Roman Army disappears in the late 450's.
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Perhaps the use of region specific styles and construction of footware...
Ivor
"And the four bare walls stand on the seashore. a wreck a skeleton a monument of that instability and vicissitude to which all things human are subject. Not a dwelling within sight, and the farm labourer, and curious traveller, are the only persons that ever visit the scene where once so many thousands were congregated." T.Lewin 1867
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That's true. Belts varied regionally.
E.g. Propellor Stiffeners are pretty much all from Gaul and the upper Danube (and Britain), so you wouldn't have seen those on a guy fighting the Sassies.
