04-30-2008, 02:05 PM
Right, the usual term for these stakes is sudes, and they are not necessarily a regular part of a legionary's marching load. As I recall, Bishop and Coulston mentions a cache of about 300 stakes found at some fort site, the nicer ones marked with centurions' names. Generally they seem to run about 5 feet long, and while some were apparently up to about 4 inches square, 1-1/2" square is also legitimate. Easier to lug around, too! So I cut all mine from 2x2 lumber rather than 4x4s.
I also remember someone pointing out that if the stakes are embedded in the rampart as it is being built, they don't need to be driven in. If you bury them to about half their length, they'll be more secure in the ground. They can stick out of the face of the rampart at an angle, or be lined up vertically on top, in which case they'll form a fence that is still tall enough to cover the defenders' legs below their shields. But it sure would be nice if we could see ANY of these possible methods shown on Trajan's Column!!
Valete,
Matthew
I also remember someone pointing out that if the stakes are embedded in the rampart as it is being built, they don't need to be driven in. If you bury them to about half their length, they'll be more secure in the ground. They can stick out of the face of the rampart at an angle, or be lined up vertically on top, in which case they'll form a fence that is still tall enough to cover the defenders' legs below their shields. But it sure would be nice if we could see ANY of these possible methods shown on Trajan's Column!!
Valete,
Matthew
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
