11-23-2009, 02:21 PM
My view is also that they were auxilia, but probably lightly armed. I doubt they would be in full armor, but if there were some crowd control guards, they might carry hastae. (The Catholic Latin Bible I looked up the "spear" that was used to ensure Jesus' death says it was a "lancea", which would not be very different from our impression of a hasta. ) I doubt they had pila at all. My view also includes gladii, pugiones, and belt, shoes, tunics. There might have been a tool box or bag, too, since somebody had to have a hammer and nails, some ropes maybe, and other odds and ends.
However, whenever I have written up a stage production of this sort, I generally put the Romans in helmets, and sometimes armor, if any is available. The centurion I try to put in armor, just for distinction, although I don't think he'd have worn it, either. As you say, Luca, this was a work detail, not a battle. Post-crucifixion, I'm of the belief that the guards at the tomb were Herodian temple guards, not Romans, but for stage, there's usually not enough cast and props for that...so the same Romans get that duty. Sometimes the production requires some compromise with the known info, and with good guesses.
However, whenever I have written up a stage production of this sort, I generally put the Romans in helmets, and sometimes armor, if any is available. The centurion I try to put in armor, just for distinction, although I don't think he'd have worn it, either. As you say, Luca, this was a work detail, not a battle. Post-crucifixion, I'm of the belief that the guards at the tomb were Herodian temple guards, not Romans, but for stage, there's usually not enough cast and props for that...so the same Romans get that duty. Sometimes the production requires some compromise with the known info, and with good guesses.
M. Demetrius Abicio
(David Wills)
Saepe veritas est dura.
(David Wills)
Saepe veritas est dura.
