Byzantine Weapons and Warfare

[Theodosius the Great]

Yes, it's Demetrios, from the Church of Hosios Loukas in Greece, and it's 11th century (I have the book).

Very pretty.

Thanks, Steven.

How would a guard from the emperors guard look like in the sixth and seventh century? Pictures would be welcome.

You mean the Excubitors, the 300 imperial guards stationed in Constantinople ? According to the Osprey book 'Roman Military Clothing (3)' the Excubitors were equipped in classical fashsion according to primary sources. They had bronze helmets, pila, axes, and clipei shields. They wore bright colors - scarlet tunics, gold-fitted belts, and high boots. If you don't have the book I recommend you buy it. It has color paintings based on literary evidence.

In the sixth century most people take the Saint Vitalius mosaic in Ravenna as gospel but they shoe the guards armed but unarmored

Interesting, I don't recognize the name of the mosaic but maybe I've seen it.

~Theo