Hamata for low class Bucellarius

[Robert Vermaat]

So if I want to portray the lowest class of soldier id more than likely be in a unit of Limitanei?

Indeed. Even poorer, and you're the town watch. :wink:

In the case of limitanei should I/can I wear my helmet, or would they have left that at home as well? and would a spangenhelm then be likely or would it more likely be an old ridge helm?
Sorry for all these basic questions,im trying to negotiate what bits of gear to wear or leave out here.

No problem mate.
Why would any soldier leave their helmet at home? The moanings of vegetius about armour being discarded can be read as political fables - we know armour was still being worn, as well as helmets. A soldier who willingly discards armour is mad. Armour is for your protection.

I cant seem to find this subject covered, many of the coptic tunicae ive run into when reconstructed seem to have the sleeves only hanging to the elbow or a bit below it, even on an authentically sized man (i tried one on a 5' 6" man). Is this proper and common? In addition, ive also run into depictions of men in short sleeved tunics all the way through to the 8th c. (elevation of the emperor scene especially), this leads me to believe that both long and half/short sleeved tunics existed side by side in hotter weather. Please correct me if im wrong.

You're wrong. Read Graham Sumner's books or have a look at my website. Tunics had long, narrow sleaves. later fashion indeed shows shorter sleeves (but much later), worn over a long-sleeved tunic.

I just realized you said painted decorations, How Common were painted tunic decorations in your opinion? I am thinking they may have been quite common amongst the lower classes. The tunicae we have surviving are primarily from burials and not those of the poor, and I have examined at least one tunic fragment with decorations resist dyed and another fragment with something akin to painted decoration (looked inky almost).
For my impression I think im sticking with a long sleeved tunic with embroidered clavii and segmentae, I just like the look i guess.

I think that for poorer folk, decorations would not have been common apart from on their 'sunday tunic'. A warrior, when not rich enough to own a set of decorated tunics, would not risk his only (costly!) Coptic tunic under his armour. I think your plan is a good one. :wink: