\'Definitive\' List of Legionary\'s Belongings

[Paul Elliott]

I'm trying to compile a list of items that a legionary or auxiliary might own. This is a thought experiment, obviously, but it might be helpful to consider what was provided by the state or by the fort, and what constituted personal belongings. Of greatest interest to me is the question of what a soldier took with him on the march, but to get there I think it is best to also look at the broader picture of his belongings.

We often read about the baggage train, about galerii (military servants guarding the train) and soldier's dismay at having found the train ransacked. What was in the train, left with the mules and wagons, what was carried? To help in my impression, I've created this working list.... comments are welcome:

ON THE MARCH (Away from fort, marching camp)
Cloak & Brooch
Sewing Kit
Fire Starting KIt
Pan/Patera
Spoon
Wooden Bowl
Knife
String/Leather Thonging
Iron Skewer
Money Pouch
Leather Waterskin (if summer/hot climate)
Whetstone
Small Glass Bottle for Oil Ration
Spare Socks
Amulet or Dog Tag
Sling
Comb/Horn or Bone
Chateline Set for Hygiene
Small Axe/or Sickle

OTHER ITEMS KEPT AT THE CAMP/BARRACKS
Dice /Knucklebones
Pottery Wine Cup
Writing Tablet & Stylus
Portable Pottery Altar (10cm tall)
2 x Bronze God Figurines
Gaming Counters
Folding Frying Pan
Spare Tunic
Leg Wraps
Oil Lamp
Lead Sling Bullets
Spare hobnails
Wooden Plate
Spare shoes
Strigil
Shaving Razor

Tools? Hammer, Pliers, Hand Saw, Nails, etc, Oiled Cloth

GROUP KIT (Contubernium)
8 baskets
Quern Stone
Tent and Pegs and Poles
Rope
Spade x2
Mattock x2
Dolabra x 3?
Turf Cutters x2?
Mule?? Or acquired when needed for campaign?