02-13-2007, 07:28 PM
Matt,
50 years sounds very arbitrary here. A lot can happen in 50 years of "development", particularly when you consider the wide varierty of experiences that the Roman army gained as the republic/empire expanded. Many external influences are likely to have resulted in minor changes, but they are still changes that were apparently perceived to be necessary from a practical standpoint (or for that matter economics?). I do agree that there are obviously variations within types that are of a seemingly minor nature, but the fact is that there is a very limited amount of evidence that survives upon which to base any hypothesis (compared to the huge number of helmets that must have been manufactured during the Roman era). Such minor variations and categorisation may well be considered unnecessary in reenactment, but I think in archaeological and historical terms it remains a useful framework to be fleshed out as more information becames available.
If we were to divide the history of the Roman era into 50 year timeslots just think of all the amazing history that would be "lost"?
50 years sounds very arbitrary here. A lot can happen in 50 years of "development", particularly when you consider the wide varierty of experiences that the Roman army gained as the republic/empire expanded. Many external influences are likely to have resulted in minor changes, but they are still changes that were apparently perceived to be necessary from a practical standpoint (or for that matter economics?). I do agree that there are obviously variations within types that are of a seemingly minor nature, but the fact is that there is a very limited amount of evidence that survives upon which to base any hypothesis (compared to the huge number of helmets that must have been manufactured during the Roman era). Such minor variations and categorisation may well be considered unnecessary in reenactment, but I think in archaeological and historical terms it remains a useful framework to be fleshed out as more information becames available.
If we were to divide the history of the Roman era into 50 year timeslots just think of all the amazing history that would be "lost"?
Sulla Felix
AKA Barry Coomber
Moderator
COH I BATAVORVM MCRPF
AKA Barry Coomber
Moderator
COH I BATAVORVM MCRPF
