09-08-2010, 01:41 PM
Legionary of the Sixth Legion, Eboracum (c. 200AD)
Before I jump into creating this impression, I thought I’d sketch it out – saving money and time, and trying out ideas! I'm no artist, this painting just to give me (and you) an idea of what's on my mind! Any feedback on my combination of kit and clothing would be appreciated before I commit to it all...
)
“In 208 Septimus Severus arrived in York and all three British legions are preparing to join him on his march into Caledonia. This legionary is part of the Eboracum garrison and will be part of the expedition.
Most of his equipment has been in use with the legion for over a century, but since Severus came into power (193) new belts have entered fashion. Other changes about to occur are the use of oval shields and more use of spears, heavy cavalry helms and light javelins. The newly created II Parthian legion has arrived with Severus and its men display all of these pieces of equipment, setting the fashion for the third century.”
This legionary wears an Imperial Italic G helmet, this example was found at Thielenhofen and is dated to 189AD or after. His lorica hamata has no doubling, and is worn over a padded subarmalis with attached leather pteruges. Additional protection is provided by iron greaves (of a style from the 3rd C; Kunzing), such protection became common for legionaries during the Dacian wars a century ago. His shield is the classic rectangular scutum which continues well into the 3rdC, although the more mobile legions of the 3rd C will soon trade them in for oval shields.
The chief weapon of the legionary is the spatha or longsword which became universal for soldiers thirty or so years ago. It is worn on the left side, and hangs from a wide baldric. This method of carriage is copied from the spatha found at Lyons dated to 197AD. The baldric is decorated with a bronze phalerae, based on a 3rdC find from Zugmantel. The grip is based on a 3rdC example from Buch. Before the sword is used, the legionary throws his pilum. This pilum is a light, socketed version. Its shank is 35cm long, similar to an example found at Saalburg from the 3rd C, or the 1st C Waddon Hill pilum. His pugio is based on crescent-pommel examples from Bar Hill (2nd C) and Kunzing (3rd C).
The pugio is attached to the belt by a leather strap looping over a fungiform bronze stud. A pair of these are used to fasten the belt together, as the belt-ends fold back through a central bronze belt-ring. There is no buckle.
The legionary wears trousers and long sleeved tunic, which became the fashion around the time of the Marcomannic Wars, thirty years ago. It is off-white and although not visible here, is decorated with black clavii. Beneath his greaves, the soldier wears woollen leg wraps, a fashion introduced from contact with northern barbarians during the century, they provide excellent padding for the metal greaves.
Before I jump into creating this impression, I thought I’d sketch it out – saving money and time, and trying out ideas! I'm no artist, this painting just to give me (and you) an idea of what's on my mind! Any feedback on my combination of kit and clothing would be appreciated before I commit to it all...
) “In 208 Septimus Severus arrived in York and all three British legions are preparing to join him on his march into Caledonia. This legionary is part of the Eboracum garrison and will be part of the expedition.
Most of his equipment has been in use with the legion for over a century, but since Severus came into power (193) new belts have entered fashion. Other changes about to occur are the use of oval shields and more use of spears, heavy cavalry helms and light javelins. The newly created II Parthian legion has arrived with Severus and its men display all of these pieces of equipment, setting the fashion for the third century.”
This legionary wears an Imperial Italic G helmet, this example was found at Thielenhofen and is dated to 189AD or after. His lorica hamata has no doubling, and is worn over a padded subarmalis with attached leather pteruges. Additional protection is provided by iron greaves (of a style from the 3rd C; Kunzing), such protection became common for legionaries during the Dacian wars a century ago. His shield is the classic rectangular scutum which continues well into the 3rdC, although the more mobile legions of the 3rd C will soon trade them in for oval shields.
The chief weapon of the legionary is the spatha or longsword which became universal for soldiers thirty or so years ago. It is worn on the left side, and hangs from a wide baldric. This method of carriage is copied from the spatha found at Lyons dated to 197AD. The baldric is decorated with a bronze phalerae, based on a 3rdC find from Zugmantel. The grip is based on a 3rdC example from Buch. Before the sword is used, the legionary throws his pilum. This pilum is a light, socketed version. Its shank is 35cm long, similar to an example found at Saalburg from the 3rd C, or the 1st C Waddon Hill pilum. His pugio is based on crescent-pommel examples from Bar Hill (2nd C) and Kunzing (3rd C).
The pugio is attached to the belt by a leather strap looping over a fungiform bronze stud. A pair of these are used to fasten the belt together, as the belt-ends fold back through a central bronze belt-ring. There is no buckle.
The legionary wears trousers and long sleeved tunic, which became the fashion around the time of the Marcomannic Wars, thirty years ago. It is off-white and although not visible here, is decorated with black clavii. Beneath his greaves, the soldier wears woollen leg wraps, a fashion introduced from contact with northern barbarians during the century, they provide excellent padding for the metal greaves.
Paul Elliott
Legions in Crisis
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/17815...d_i=468294
Charting the Third Century military crisis - with a focus on the change in weapons and tactics.
Legions in Crisis
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/17815...d_i=468294
Charting the Third Century military crisis - with a focus on the change in weapons and tactics.
