Roman Military Tents Carried in sections by the Men

[Lucius Aurelius Metellus]

There are several things that would make me disagree with this theory. The soldiers' packs (loculus) as shown in the sculptures clearly depict the stitched reinforcing "bands" or strips which are on the body of the pack, and if I am not terribly mistaken, remnants of such packs with these attributes have been found. Also, if these were not packs, what would a soldier carry his marching kit in (like eating utensils, extra clothing, etc.)? It just wouldn't make as much sense. Also, every tent depiction or reconstruction I have ever seen does not appear to be made in seperate pieces as suggested. I believe the leather tents were made of many panels of leather, yes, but they were all stitched together into one tent, not made to come apart and be carried piece by piece. There were usually several soldiers in one tent, called a contubernium, so such a tent would have to have been larger than a modern shelter half, which is carried in two pieces.
No, I believe that their packs as depicted are indeed what they appear to be, marching packs. :wink: