Oi... New, and Where to Start?

[Matthew Amt]

From what I've also read the semi square/oval shield is the commonplace for my time set time period correct? The purely oval one came after, and the round shield came much much before. Is that right?

Well, Greek-style round shields were used by the first class of legionaries, basically armed as hoplites, until around 500 BC, but lower classes used a range of tall oval or oblong shapes, like these:

http://www.larp.com/legioxx/repscuta.jpg

At some point, this "Republican oval" shape (as I call it) had its top and bottom cut off square, possibly to make it lighter and easier to carry on the march, and giving us the "Augustan" curve-sided shape:

http://www.larp.com/legioxx/augscutum.jpg

That was definitely in use by the time of Augustus, but might date back farther than that. It's also hard to say just when the classic rectangle shows up, but it's pretty typical for first century AD (though there are a few dissenters on that detail!). I think the third century AD is when you see a rounder oval shape showing up, replacing the rectangle.

You REALLY want Peter Connolly's book! It's an excellent overview from 600 BC through 400 AD, though it does have some inaccuracies and outdated bits here and there.

So, the more suitable sword for the 70-70 time period is the Mainz? Is this a good example?

That's the current Deepeeka Mainz, a lovely piece, but on the last one I saw in person the scabbard was huge. Don't know if they've scaled that down a tad or not.

Are Depeeka swords worth buying (I've heard to stay away from some of their products)? Oh and what is best for drilling versus actual demonstration or "combat" (in terms of materials of the sword)?

Well, I think Deepeeka's latest Pompeii sword looks great, and they have some other reasonable to good weapons. But I honestly don't know how well they will stand up to modern pounding. I don't think even REAL swords were meant to take the kind of abuse that occurs in some forms of modern reenactments! We tend to overengineer things these days, to avoid busting them, at the expense of accuracy. So, do you want a GOOD sword, or a really strong one? Actually, I expect if you got a custom-made blade by Mark Morrow or some other custom swordsmith, it would be as stong as you need but still darned accurate.

One thing I do know... is that when I figure out what I want to do and where I plan to go, I'll take my time.

Excellent. Patience is the most important tool in your toolbox. I never have enough, myself! A tunic and footwear are a good place to start. In fact, you might start with simple carbatinae instead of caligae, to learn about sizing and shape before getting into all the complex cutting.

http://www.larp.com/legioxx/carb1.gif

But anyway, thanks again for the info.

You're welcome! Glad the site's been helpful. I built it to help folks like you.

Vale,

Matthew