Loire Valley 400-450 AD

[jonwr]

Now that my Scythian mounted archer impression is on hold, I'm looking for something different.
Any help as to clothing,weapons etc would be greatly appreciated.
Links to web sites or groups of this era would be a big help.
I don't want to be a Loire Valley warlord. Just a spear carrying type in the second rank.
Any help would be most gratefully received.
Jon R.

[Bran ap Maclou]

Hi, Jon

Well, I guess you should chose your people and your time because the loire valley during 5th century looks like a mosaic. You will find there Gallo-romans, Alains, Britto-romans, Franks (on the late), Burgondians in High-Loire and wisigoths plus a few thousands hunnic tourists.

If you manage to understand french, go there (you won't be too severly wounded if you speak english ) :
http://111935.aceboard.fr/i-111935.htm

So try to brush your wished portrait and then we'll see what you need.

Bye !

Greg

[MARCVS]

Maybe also this group :

http://monsite.wanadoo.fr/foederati/index.jhtml

[Agraes]

(Romano-)Britons were holding a big part of the middle-Loire valley by this time. Sidonius Appollinaris refered to them as the Britones supra Ligerim. They were in Blois from 410 (when Iomadus beat the local germanic warlord Boso) to 491 (when Clovis chased them). But even circa 530 AD (Life of St Dalmas) we got a reference of a "Briton legion" near Orleans.

For a while there were also Saxon settlements on the Loire, their leader's name beeing Odovacer, untill the late Vth century when they were beaten by Childeric's Franks and Aegidius's Romans if I recall well.

[jonwr]

Greg
Guess I will have to go with the Franks. As they seem to be the most
popular.
My knowledge of this period and people are limited so any help is appreciated.
My main focus has been Kentish Saxons but they wont fit in with any Roman groups I think.
Jon R

[Bran ap Maclou]

Well, good choice, after being a small people or frequent loosers they will success in creating one of the most ancient european country : France

the Franks were some long time loyal allies to Rome, good choice but choose well your time because they arrive on the Loire lately as "ruling power" AFAIK.

We have two clubs which could fit to your interest

The foederati, just follow the link indicated by Marcus, the first late roman club in France in time, they are friends, really smart, they are germanic warriors recruited, hired or simply allied to the late roman empire, formed to roman discipline but keeping some germanic elements. The Foederati present some heavy and light infantry and cavalry also.

The other one are the Ordalies, here :
http://ordalies.asso.free.fr/

Some of them do some amazing damas blades and jewelled swords... and they are friends also ! They present the different germanic people of the western territories.

Bye !

Greg

[jonwr]

Greg
Sorry I didn't answer sooner. Things have been getting in the way of my hobby Thanks for the links. The pics are just what I was looking for especially the ones on
http://ordalies.asso.free.fr/
Will have to be working on some kit now that things have calmed down around here.
Jon R.