08-12-2011, 04:32 AM
Josephus (Jewish War V.9) describes a four-day pay parade held before the walls of Jerusalem, with the whole army in full regalia - it was intended to overawe the Jewish defenders. Payday came four times a year, so we must assume that these parades were at least that frequent, and that crests would probably be worn.
As John says, there would be plenty of other occasions for dressing up in full fig. The Roman calendar was packed with religious festivals, at least some of which would be celebrated in military camps, then there was the emperor's birthday, the arrivals and departures of senior officers, and the beginning and end of the official campaigning season.
Whether crests were worn in battle or not is another question. They would certainly have looked impressive, and good for intimidating the barbarians :wink:
As John says, there would be plenty of other occasions for dressing up in full fig. The Roman calendar was packed with religious festivals, at least some of which would be celebrated in military camps, then there was the emperor's birthday, the arrivals and departures of senior officers, and the beginning and end of the official campaigning season.
Whether crests were worn in battle or not is another question. They would certainly have looked impressive, and good for intimidating the barbarians :wink:
Nathan Ross
