12-15-2014, 05:39 PM
Part of the problem for both scholars and re-enactors is that much of what we claim to know is based on column reliefs. As an amateur historian, two things come to mind in this discussion. First, the reliefs are generally meant to commemorate a particular battle or campaign. Second, the reliefs are the artist's conception of how best to present the Romans as heroic. I am reminded od depictions on Greek pottery. In any event, such reliefs must be understood for what they are meant to portray, not the accuracy of military attire and weaponry. That does not mean we should not look at reliefs both for information intended to be given and as guides for our recreations.
It occurs to me that Roman troops fighting or occupying colder (or warmer) climes would tend to adopt and adapt attire and gear common to locals, at least to the extent permitted by their commanders.. So it is quite possible, for example, that tunics with long sleeves and a longer length may well have been used in England and Gaul. Likewise cloaks might have been thicker and longer, etc. Soldiers throughout the ages have frequently made changes to adapt to local conditions.
It occurs to me that Roman troops fighting or occupying colder (or warmer) climes would tend to adopt and adapt attire and gear common to locals, at least to the extent permitted by their commanders.. So it is quite possible, for example, that tunics with long sleeves and a longer length may well have been used in England and Gaul. Likewise cloaks might have been thicker and longer, etc. Soldiers throughout the ages have frequently made changes to adapt to local conditions.
Petrus Augustinus
