Archer in the Army of Rome circa AD 60

[66kbm]

Hi all
So, all I need are a few comments from those in the know. Archers, would they have a quiver on their back or slung from a belt?....or was it personal preference. If slung from the belt, would the Gladius be worn on the left?
Sorry if I have repeated previous topics but the search on here is a bit vague and these questions are a bit specific.
This is for general info only.....not an impression.
Kevin

[Renatus]

Does this help?
http://www.romanarmy.net/images/Pages/Military/ham8.jpg

[66kbm]

As a quiver slung over ones back, that helps as I can see the Gladius on the right.....what the hell is in his hand?, a small axe?
Kevin

[Renatus]

My theory is that archers were also trained fletchers and that the small axe would enable them to cut down and trim suitable slim branches to make arrows when on campaign.

[66kbm]

I can make arrows,. so that is suspect, one would need more woodworking tools to make a shaft than an axe. My opinion.
Is it a secondary weapon....ie...replace the Pugio?
Still looking for that slung Quiver off the belt if possible.
Kevin

[Flavivs Aetivs]

Not 60 AD, nor is it holding Arrows, but Comitatus made quivers to store Plumbatae on their belts.

http://www.comitatus.net/gallerymissile.html

On another note, here's an image of one of their late 1st century archers, no quiver though:
http://www.comitatus.net/armyages.html

that's all I know about quivers. I can tell you lots about crossbows though, although they're not relevant until the 2nd century.

[66kbm]

Thanks.
I can see you are trying to help, and no disrespect to John but, that does not actually answer my question, its a help, but not definitive.
I was hoping that some Archers out there may point me in the way of practicality please.
So far I have seen both left and right handed over the shoulder quivers but none suspended from the belt.
Kevin

[Renatus]

I can make arrows,. so that is suspect, one would need more woodworking tools to make a shaft than an axe. My opinion.

I don't doubt that that is correct and I am not suggesting that the axe was the only item in the archer's tool kit. Nevertheless, it would be useful for cutting down branches and carrying out some preliminary trimming.