Legio Fretensis X

[Crispvs]

The Mainz column bases are not conclusive. The running figure with the simple(?) helmet and oval shield throwing one of his three spears/javelins is not attested as an auxiliary. We recognise him as one because we believe his equipment to be that of an auxiliary and because it differs from the equipment of some of the other figures (there is also a worn one which is not normally published which has a dished oval shield and seems to be thrusting underarm with either a sword or spear). The flaw with this is that it means that we are assuming that we have a perfect knowledge of how Roman soldiers were equipped. Whilst it is likely that this figure represents an auxilliary we cannot be absolutely sure of this and it is still possible that he may be simply a legionary with different equipment. Without an inscription there is no way of knowing one way or the other.<br>
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Looking at the Rhineland tombstones it is difficult to accept that there was any difference between the equipment of legionaries and auxiliaries past the type of shield or shafted weapon carried. The well known reference by Tacitus to the mixing up of arms by Vitellius' panicking soldiers does make you wonder though. But then again, perhaps things were different in Rome.<br>
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Crispvs <p></p><i></i>