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Profile of a mid 5th century Roman soldier.
#1
Hello all this is my first thread so be kind. Big Grin I am trying to create a profile of a "typical" mid fifth century western soldier. I realize that what this man would look like could be quite varied. He could come from a Germanic tribe as easily as be from Rome, Milan or Ravenna. What was this man's gear like? I have read that by the mid fifth lorica segmentata was out of style for over a hundred years. So I'm guessing scale armor, chain mail or leather would have been the norm. What sort of helmet would he have worn? Did most soldiers still carry a pilum? I have seen the Notitia Dignitatum so I have a concept of what later shields may have looked like but what colors would he have worn otherwise? Basically I have a lot of information I think I know but I want to run it past some folks who really know their stuff. Basically if Ricimer were leading me to Corsica to fight the Vandals what would I look like? What would the man next to me be like? What would the officers look like in comparison? My thoughts are that the army would have looked fairly thrown together in terms of not being uniform in equipment and dress when compared to the late republic or earlier imperial times especially when considering the use of mercenaries and non-Roman forces as supplemental soldiers.

The internet is a great resource but when trying to find sources for late antique subjects I feel like I am smacking my head against a wall sometimes and I'd like to have my facts straight. The books I have on the era are great for the overarching issues but these fine details are lacking. If you have any recommendations that I can request of my local library that would also be great. Thank you very much and I look forward to your replies.
Todd
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#2
Hi and welcome! I'm also new here, and my area of interest just now is the republican army. But i can tell you about two excellent books: Roman Military Dress by Graham Sumner and Roman Military Equipment from the Punic Wars to the Fall of Rome by Bishop and Coulston.
Eduardo Vázquez
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#3
Lucanus, this is a little before your time, but should give you a good start.
http://www.fectio.org.uk/fectio.htm
http://www.comitatus.net/

There are other similar sites, but that ought to help a little.
M. Demetrius Abicio
(David Wills)

Saepe veritas est dura.
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#4
Unless he was a germanic warrior, he would be probably some farmer that didn't have money enouth to bribe the recruiter or please the local landlord, so had been recruited against his will. Or he could be the son and grandson of a soldier. So many different situations... His gear would change a lot.
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#5
Quote:I am trying to create a profile of a "typical" mid fifth century western soldier.

As you notice already yourself this is going to be a tuff job, as the army got so much variation and local influences in it by this time that a 'typical' soldiers get harder and harder to define. The fectio site is a good start as suggested above. In a couple of days pictures will be online about the Late Roman event we had last weekend in the Netherlands with late Roman re-enactors from UK, Germany and the Netherlands. This might also give you some inspiration to go along with your research Big Grin
________________________________________
Jvrjenivs Peregrinvs Magnvs / FEBRVARIVS
A.K.A. Jurjen Draaisma
CORBVLO and Fectio
ALA I BATAVORUM
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#6
Thank you all very much for the helpful replies. Those photos are fantastic and the resources are great. This is exactly the stuff I knew must exist but couldn't find.
Todd
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#7
And there you go.

http://www.pixures.be/web2011nijmegen/index.htm
________________________________________
Jvrjenivs Peregrinvs Magnvs / FEBRVARIVS
A.K.A. Jurjen Draaisma
CORBVLO and Fectio
ALA I BATAVORUM
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#8
Those photos are amazing. Thank you. Pictures like that are a great resource.
Todd
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#9
I wrote a book that specifically answers all these questions, focussing on the equipment and lifestyle of a Roman soldier in the 5th century... Its just been reprinted, and it's called The Last Legionary, by Paul Elliott, The History Press.
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.
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#10
Just grabbed it from B&N. Thanks.
Todd
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#11
Very cool Smile Hope you enjoy it.
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.
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#12
Quote:I wrote a book that specifically answers all these questions, focussing on the equipment and lifestyle of a Roman soldier in the 5th century... Its just been reprinted, and it's called The Last Legionary, by Paul Elliott, The History Press.

Bought and received today in the post. I am looking forward to this with great anticipation!
Francis Hagan

The Barcarii
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#13
Quote:And there you go.

http://www.pixures.be/web2011nijmegen/index.htm



Great pics.
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#14
Quote:I wrote a book that specifically answers all these questions, focussing on the equipment and lifestyle of a Roman soldier in the 5th century... Its just been reprinted, and it's called The Last Legionary, by Paul Elliott, The History Press.

I went to go buy your book on Amazon and found that there is no Ebook copy available for Kindle. I am sure I am not the only one who finds it easier to buy an E-copy. Can you please see if it would be possible to offer an ebook version? I recommended it for Kindle on the web site, but since you are the author, maybe you can hasten the process Smile

Thanks!
Andre, A person interested in Roman Soldiers in the 5th Century.
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#15
You can also see the pictures on one of my public viewing photo albums on FB, much of the kit on there is late roman and 4th-5th century. You can get some ideas for kit.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?se...738&type=1

The Letavians are a great group based in Brittany and they portray 5th century 'backwater' troop impressions. You can see the difference between what they wear, and what the municipal fashions of the time might have been in the larger towns and cities.

http://letavia.canalblog.com/
Claire Marshall

General Layabout

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.plateau-imprints.co.uk">www.plateau-imprints.co.uk
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