Roman kit: featuring armour, swords, spears, artillery, rations, deckchairs, and of course shoes.

Lindybeige2 minutes read

Members of the Earman Street Guard wear Laurica Segmentata armor, with the Corbridge pattern featuring a unique gap design. The Roman infantry utilized a variety of weapons, including pila, shields, and specialized units trained in using Plumbata darts effectively.

Insights

  • The Corbridge pattern armor worn by the Earman Street Guard infantry has a distinctive design with a front gap, discovered by Russell Robinson in 1964, enhancing their historical accuracy and visual appeal.
  • Roman soldiers relied heavily on shields for protection in battle, emphasizing the importance of defense over javelins, with commanders leading from the front, showcasing a strategic focus on maneuverability and ranged weapons rather than close combat.

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Recent questions

  • What type of armor did the infantry members wear?

    The infantry members wore Laurica Segmentata, specifically the Corbridge pattern armor.

  • What was the purpose of the groin protectors worn by soldiers?

    The groin protectors were mainly worn for decoration rather than actual protection in battle.

  • How did soldiers prevent scabbards from falling off their belts?

    Soldiers prevented scabbards from falling off by using straps underneath their belts.

  • What was the primary defense used by soldiers in battle?

    Shields were the primary defense used by soldiers, with commanders leading from the front.

  • How did soldiers communicate during battles?

    Soldiers communicated mainly through shouting, with horn players used for volume, rather than whistles.

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Summary

00:00

Earman Street Guard: Armor, Weapons, and Gear

  • The infantry consists of six members of the Earman Street Guard wearing Laurica Segmentata, specifically the Corbridge pattern.
  • The Corbridge pattern armor has a gap at the front due to an overlap design discovered in 1964 by Russell Robinson.
  • Groin protectors worn for decoration mainly, not for actual protection in battle.
  • The armor includes gladii on the right side with straps underneath the belts to prevent scabbards from following the sword.
  • Members maintain their own armor issued by the organization, with some wearing Dacian fashion armor.
  • Dacian armor is designed for use with a large shield and is capable of penetrating flesh and wooden shields if thrown.
  • Soldiers carry two pila, with the second being more powerful and accurate when thrown.
  • Neckerchiefs worn for comfort and to prevent chafing from the armor.
  • The scabbard's cutaway design is considered decorative and customizable, known as a "Gucci scabbard."
  • Laurica Segmentata includes leather padding for comfort, with personalized fittings required for each soldier.

14:43

Ancient Warfare Tactics and Equipment Explained

  • In battle, shields were crucial for leg protection, even if not currently carried.
  • Shields were the primary defense, not javelins, with commanders leading from the front.
  • Communication with soldiers was mainly through shouting, not whistles, with horn players for volume.
  • The artillery, like the scorpionis, had a range of 380 meters, firing every 5-6 minutes.
  • A unit had 60 scorpionis per legion, used for defense and offense.
  • Ropes were made from guts, sinews, and tree sap, not modern nylon, for climbing and other purposes.
  • Torsion weapons like the Vespa and baluster were powerful, using sinew or horsehair ropes.
  • Making magic rope required materials like head maidens, cow neck tendons, and sap, needing about 200 yards.
  • The dioptra surveying table was advanced, aiding in accurate measurements on uneven ground.
  • Soldiers used wooden swords and shields for training, with sticks for quick barrier construction.

29:51

Roman Army's Ranged Weapons and Maneuverability

  • Roman army focused on maneuverability and ranged weapons over close combat
  • Various weapons used included javelins, throwing axes, throwing darts, bows, crossbows, and artillery
  • Timeframe discussed ranged from 435 to 525 AD, aiming for around 400 AD as a benchmark
  • Final tour of duty to check if it's worth staying, with unfavorable weather and skepticism about beer's popularity
  • Goose feathers used for helmets due to resilience and ease of reshaping
  • Helmet named Christie's helmet after being sold at Christie's auction, though original location unknown
  • Plumbata, a late Roman throwing dart, used by infantry to disorient enemies with short-range, non-lethal attacks
  • Specialized Roman legions like the Goviani and Herculiani trained in using Plumbata effectively, while others were relegated to slingers or archers
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