Evan Schultheis Handbook to Late Roman Gear

Version 1.3
Introduction
Our unit is that of the Placidi Valentiniani Felices (Placidius Valentinians happy
ones), an auxilia palatina unit serving under Flavius Aetius in the 5th century. Their existence
began, according to A.M.H. Jones, in 419 celebrating the birth of the caesar flavius placidius
valentinianus III or Valentinian III, he also states they were probably drawn from several units
across the empire, and the Notitia Dignitatum lists them being edited in as the Placidi
Valentiniaci Felices. They were then separated and sent to Illyria where one is listed as the
Valentinianenses Felices and the other was sent to Gaul where it is listed as the
Valentinianenses Iuniores, as I have theorized based on some corrections to Luke-Ueda
Sarsons work.
The Placidi Valentiniani were likely guard units, or bucellarii, of senior generals of the
time, possibly including Aetius himself. Many members therefore would have been Roman or
Germanic, but they would have been serving alongside the Hunnic retainer of Aetius and his
generals. Bucellarii would have been the best equipped soldiers in the empire, probably funded
by Aetius himself, and considering that they were graded as an Auxilia Palatina unit, it confirms
their quality. Palatinae are thought to be the best equipped and trained troops of the era, making
the core of the army Aetius used to defend the empire.
It's likely the Iuniores were in gaul by 422, to prepare for a campaign against the
Vandals. The Seniores were probably sent to Gaul in 430's or 440's, due to cuts in the Army and
the lack of any real need to defend Illyria. The unit was likely disbanded or destroyed after
Aetius or Valentian IIIs death, but the Seniores may have survived as part of the Illyrian field
army to serve under Marcellinus, and the Iuniores as part of the Gallic field army under Majoran
and Aegidius.
Late Roman equipment is very reminiscent of earlier eras, but there are some distinct
differences: The Gladius, Pugio, and Lorica Segmentata had been phased out in the 3rd Century
A.D. The common soldier, graded limitanei or comitatenses (Border Guards and Field Armies)
would have been equipped with a hamata (chainmail hauberk), cassis or galea (Helmet), spatha
(Roman longsword), scutum (Oval or circular Shield), plumbatae (darts), calcei or carbatinae
(boots), and a contus (6-8 foot spear, later would get to around 12 foot). This equipment usually
varied, with short javelins, spicula, squamata or scale armor, asymmetric bows and crossbows
all being other equipment that was used. Some soldiers didnt wear armor at all.
Details on what to get and where to get it can be found on the provided pages. This
equipment still made the Roman army the best fighting force in the world they were by all
means still as effective as armies under previous Emperors. What plagued this army was a lack
of manpower civilians were no longer loyal to the Empire, and looked to their local Bishop
rather than their local Governor. With the church taking up all the prestigious political and
military careers, it was difficult to replace troops, and with the lack of tax income difficult to run
the factories to equip them.

If you dont know U.S. measurements, the simple thing to do is divide feet by four for
(roughly) meters, inches by 2.54 for centimeters, and multiply pounds by 2.2 for kilograms.
Reverse these when converting Metric to Imperial.
Exchange Rates:
1.59 US Dollars = 1.00 Pound
1.33 US Dollars = 1.00 Euro
Natural colors does not necessarily mean get things that look like a forest. You can get
yellow or orange or other bright colors, just make sure they are natural shades of those
colors. No neon.
Warning the Deepeeka Late Roman helmets were re-done around 2007, but the older
ones are still out there, be careful not to get one as they are very inaccurate. Make sure
your order includes N in the product number for New.
Many items in this list that are mentioned as officers items would work just as well for
regular bucellarii or auxilia palatinae, as they were paid handsomely.
We recommend purchasing through Soul of the Warrior when possible most because they
are American based and already have overseas shipping and other costs covered in their
prices. Armamentaria carries many of the same items and is great for the European Late
Romans.
Contact [email protected]
if you have direct questions as to what to buy,
where to buy, or how to make your own.

Equipment Guide:
Helmets
Armor and Underarmor
Shields
Swords and Daggers
Spears, Javelins, and Darts
Archery
Arcuballista
Clothing (Tunics, Hats, Cloaks, Trousers)
Jewelry
Belts and Baldrics
Boots and Socks
What not to buy
Credits:
Credit goes out to the RomanArmyTalk Community for information, and to Comitatus and
Fectio for their DIY and Informational Guides. Thanks to Rusty Myers and Forum for Ancient
Reenacting for information on Leather. Thanks to Robert Wimmers and John Conyard for
information on self-bows and arcuballista parts.

Helmets
Intercisa Type: This helmet was the mainstay piece of the Roman
Infantryman based on ones in Intercisa, Hungary, over 20 of them
were found in the same location of varying patterns and designs.
There were four distinct types Identified, all plated in silver the
Intercisa I, the Intercisa II, Intercisa III, and Intercisa IV. The
Intercisa I and II are infantry helmets and higher-grade troops like
palatinae would have probably been the ones to add silver plating.
The Intercisa IV is the same as an Intercisa II, but with a metal crest
affixed. The Intercisa III is an Intercisa with a Box Crest and a
Horsehair or Feather Plume, rather than a metal one, it also had two
bands running around the rim. The Intercisa III and IV are both
considered to be Centurions helmets, although whether or not they
were an officers piece is unknown, and horsehair plumes or crests likely would have still
marked Roman officers. There are also helmets including the Worms, Richborough, Poitiers,
River Maas, and Augst, which are of this type, but not readily available.
We recommend you have one created by a professional blacksmith, but here are some
budget-friendly and accurate items:
DSC045 Intercisa IV Offered by DSC, this is a great reproduction of the Intercisa IV. We
recommend purchasing it through Armamentaria.
Replik Intercisa IV This Intercisa-IV helmet is handmade and has gold dcor on the front of
the crest. Great piece if youre willing to spend the money.
Berkasovo Type: This helmet is similar to the Intercisa, as it is also
made of a two-piece bowl joined by a ridge. These were fancier
helmets, most found plated in silver or gold and some even having studs
or stained glass insets. They would have been infantry, officer, and
cavalry helmets, with the simpler ones being a mainstay of Roman
infantry like the Intercisa-type. There are several finds including the
Concesti, Burgh Castle, Deurne, Koblenz, Heterny, Iatrus, and two in
Berkasova. Many of them are readily available on the market.
We recommend you have one created by a professional blacksmith,
but here are some budget-friendly and accurate items:
AH6714N Ridge Helmet Made by Deepeeka, this is a Burgh Castle Type dating to the 4th
century, with ear-holes. Good Starter Helmet. We recommend purchasing through Soul of the
Warrior.
AH6715N Ridge Helmet Made by Deepeeka, this is a Burgh Castle type, without ear-holes,
dating to the 4th century. Good Starter Helmet. We recommend purchasing through Soul of the
Warrior.

ATP006 Koblenz Helmet This is a fancier Berkasovo dating to the late 4th century, and would
have been an Officers or high-grade infantrymans helmet. We recommend purchasing through
Armamentaria.
Heron Armory Berkasovo Their Helmet 1 is a Burgh-castle type helmet. A great custommade piece.
Thorkil Berkasovo Helmet This is a Berkasovo-II helmet based on a find in Serbia. Handmade, high-quality craftsmanship, and very accurate. If you can afford to have it made, its a
great piece.
Spangenhelms and Banded Helms: These helmets originated from the
auxilia of the principate and from barbarian recruits. They often had
cheekpieces, aventails, or other features and were adopted in the 4th and 5th
centuries. Several Spangenhelms and Banded helmets have been found but
only the Baldenheims and the Deir-el-Medinah (which isnt a true
spangenhelm) are readily available on the market.
We recommend you have one created by a professional blacksmith, but here
are some budget-friendly and accurate items:
Baldenheim Spangenhelm Offered by Several places, this is just a link to one place you can
buy it from. This type of helmet dates from the 4th-6th centuries A.D. and was introduced to the
5th century army by Barbarian recruits. The particular style of Spangenhelm here could get very
elaborate.
Deir El Medineh Offered by DSC, this is a good representation of the Deir El Medineh type
spangenhelm, found in Egypt. It is dated to sometime between the 3rd and the 7th centuries, with
the 3rd or 4th being more likely. It is appropriate for a late Roman Heavy infantryman. We
recommend purchasing through Armamentaria.
Banded Helm Banded Helmet from the 5th Century offered by Manning Imperial, great for a
Foederatus impression. It could be modified to add cheek pieces as well.
Heron Armory Their Helmet 3 and Helmet 9 are 5th century Gothic Baldenheims. Great
custom-made pieces!
Royal Oak Armory Sells a great, but expensive, banded helmet. Great for a 5th century
Foederatus impression! Could be modified for cheekpieces as well.

Cristae: Cristae or Crests were still used in this period, but were not always made of feather or
horsehair. Some crests, like on the Intercisa-IV, were metal pieces affixed to the ridge of the
helmet. Most crests in this era had the wooden box directly attached to the ridge of the helmet,
rather than use crest mounts like in earlier eras, and then a piece was slid in-between the ridge
and the crest box slot to secure it. Many spangenhelms also had plumes that were affixed to a
piece on the top.
Given the necessary information and measurements, SOTW can make a Crest to fit your
helmet.

Armor and Subarmor:

It is to be noted that metal armor is not necessary for a Late Roman Impression, but is still
highly recommended.
Hamata: Hamata is the Roman word for chainmail and would have been the mainstay for
infantry and cavalry troops. The use of it in late antiquity is backed by finds of pieces from all
across the Empire dating to the 4th century, including Dura Europos. It should have half or
length sleeves, and extend to the knee. It must be in the traditional 4-in-1 pattern with alternating
riveted and whole links, and have a link diameter of 6mm-8mm. It should not have shoulder
doublings or leather trim.
We recommend getting yours custom from Soul of the Warrior.
Squamata: Squamata is Roman scale armor and was also a
mainstay for infantry and cavalry, and would have also been
used by officers. The use of squamata in this era is backed by a
very large chunk found in Trier dating to the 4th century.
Squamata can be made in the historically accurate fashion
through the Soul of the Warrior custom scalemail offering. It
should not have shoulder doublings, but it may have leather trim
or a leather backing. If you make your own, the scales are
attached in rows with brass wire, and then sewn onto a leather or
linen backing with a leather thong over the top of each row. The
scales should go vertically up on either side to meet at the top of
the shoulders, or should go vertically and then meet a Circular
hood that covers the shoulders and upper chest. We dont
recommend having your squamata extend down to the knees, as
they are rather inflexible; however, some depictions do show short sleeves.
We recommend getting yours custom through Soul of the Warrior.
Manica: Manica was roman arm armor. It was relatively uncommon, but became more prevalent
after the Rise of the Sassanid Persians in the east, with the need for super-heavy cavalary and
super-heavy infantry, called catafractarii. Manica is made of several segmented plates that run up
the front of the arm, and sometimes cover the hand. A find in Bowes, England, covered the hand
and the sides/back of the arm, rather than the front, for flexibility.
Armamentaria Carries manica, from the 3rd century. Offers both Iron and Bronze and it is
based on the Carlisle and Newstead finds.
Oracae: Oracae were Roman greaves, and although uncommon they were used in this era. They
should extend to, but not overlap, the knees and can be of the split (multiple metal bands) or
whole type. We recommend putting a backing of fleece to protect your shins.

We recommend you have a pair created by a professional blacksmith, but here are some
budget-friendly and accurate items:
AH6123 Roman Officers Greaves Made by deepeeka, and based on the hippika gymnasia
finds, these just need the kneecaps lopped off and they work great. We recommend purchasing
through Soul of the Warrior.
DSC009S Carlisle Greaves Based on the Carlisle finds, these are great Heavy Infantry
greaves dated to the 3rd century, but appropriate for 4th or 5th century impressions.
AER Kunzig/Straubing Greaves Based on finds in Kunzig and Strauberg, they are dated to
the 3rd century but these greaves work good for a 4th or 5th century heavy infantry impression.
Lamellar Lamellar armor was rare in the Roman Period, but beginning sometime in the Fifth
century it became the prevailing form of armor in the east, soon becoming almost as common as
chainmail. Usually made of metal, there are also finds of bone and leather lamellar in the eastern
world, and it is characterized by scales or plates on a leather backing. The Huns are recorded to
have used lamellar made from bone, and likely contributed to the increased use of lamellar as
well. Leather and bone lamellar does not offer protection against piercing or stabbing wounds,
but it did stop sword cuts. In the 6th century and onwards there are several depictions of Lamellar
being worn over chainmail, such as the Ashburnham Pentateuch. There is a single find of Roman
Leather lamellar from Dura Europos, which protected the thighs, and several Metal Lamellar
plates have been found. If you choose to purchase Lamellar, Metal Lamellar is acceptable on its
own, but Leather Lamellar should be worn under or over Chainmail. Bone Lamellar, although
not available on the market, leather or bone lamellar can be worn on its own if you intend to do a
Steppe Nomad or Hun impression.
Celtic Web Merchant Sells Roman U-shaped Lamellar Plates to make your own cuirass. Do
your research before constructing!

Leather and Linen Subarmalis: Leather or linen subarmalis

are attested to through sculpture, but none have actually been
found dating to the roman era. They should be made of soft
leather or layers of linen/wool and may or may not have
ptyerges. The ptyerges (pieces that hang down from the torso
where the arms and legs are) can be fringed for decoration, or
sewn together to create sleeves and a skirt. You should use
1oz leather. Shoulder doublings are acceptable as they add extra
padding, and can be thicker. The Romans also used a
specialized subarmalis called a thoracomachus, mentioned by
the De Rebus Bellicis and was a quilted 1-2 cm thick garment of
felt and linen covered in oiled goat skin or oiled leather. It is not
known whether or not leather armor was worn on its own the
thoracomachus goes to show that it is indeed a possibility as it
is similar to the older greek linothorax in terms of what it was designed to do.
There have furthermore been two finds of Leather Armor in the Roman era. Both finds date to
the 3rd century and consisted of leather scales on a leather backing. The first find was a pair of
thigh guards found at Dura Europos. The second was possibly an infantry cuirass of leather
scales, but might have also been horse armor for a cataphract. In the 6th century Byzantine era
Leather Scale or Leather Lamellar was often worn over a chainmail hauberk.
It is still highly unlikely that leather was the primary form of protection. Leather musculata,
which has been argued by Phil Barker to be the dominant form of armor in late antiquity, was not
used and his theories were refuted a very long time ago. Therefore, we only recommend using
leather if you have metal armor to wear over it, or under leather scale.
We recommend making your own, but Soul of the Warrior can also make one for you of
linen or soft leather.
Legio IX Guide to making a Linen subarmalis Pages 3 and 4.

Shields:
Scutum: Late Roman Shields were oval or circular, and concave or
flat. They could have simple or fancy bosses, and although you can
make your own we recommend you purchase one as the paint
patterns are highly elaborate. These patterns are shown and listed in
the notitia dignitatum, but were also probably personalized even
though each individual unit had their own distinct pattern. The
Placidi Valentiniani have two listed patterns, one in Illyria and one in
Gaul. We have provided the patterns from the Notitia that may serve
as a base. We recommend you also look at other examples of late
Roman Art, including the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Piazza
Armerina mosaics, and the Stilicho Sarcophagus, when designing
your pattern. Some personalization on the front is allowed, but please keep the basic pattern
provided.
Loricatus We recommend purchasing through here because its in English, but you will
probably have to pay extra for the paint pattern. Sells both Round, Dished, and Oval Late Roman
Shield.
Fabricae - also sells shields, if you can read French. Good quality.
Armillum - sells late Roman Round shields in blank and painted.
HR Replikate - sells unique late roman shield bosses, besides the usual round bosses they have
pointed Roman and Germanic ones.
AH6754 Round Shield Boss Great basic Shield Boss for Roman, Germanic, Celtic, or Late
Roman impressions. Great for making your own shield!
We specifically recommend a depiction of the Emperor Valentinian III, but other figures
could be acceptable including Galla Placidia or the Empress Eudoxia and Valentinian III
together.
Fectio Shield DIY Guide Great guide to make your own late roman shield.
Comitatus Shield DIY Guide Different way to make your own late-roman shield.

Swords and Daggers:

Spatha: The spatha was the Roman longsword, and was introduced to the main-line
legionnaires in the 3rd century A.D. This sword would eventually evolve into the
medieval longsword, but was used by Romans and Germanics throughout the
migration period. These blades were made several ways, including monosteel, pattern
welding, Damascus steel, and fusing several long bars of iron together called
Streifendamast. Unfortunately, there are currently no accurate spathae of this era on the
market, so it is best you save up and have one made by a professional blacksmith. We
recommend the Nydam, Feltwell, Pouan, Illerup Whyl, and the Osterburken-Kemathen
blades. In the near future there may be an accurate starter late roman blade available at
an affordable price, so watch out for it.
Until you can afford to have your own made, we recommend using a Spiculum or
a Contus.
Replik Idesheim Spatha A 4th Century Infantrymans sword, based on finds in the Bitberg
region, and dates to 350. If youre willing to dish out the cash, its a great piece.
[email protected] Robert Wimmers, can make various Late Roman Blades with
multiple patterns.
Paul Binns Makes Blades and other Roman items on request. Great stuff for great prices.
Hans Binfield Spatha 5th Century spatha based on finds in Trier. Great piece for a 5th century
infantryman. Not that bad of a price compared to the others, only $600.
Templ Nydam Blade 5th Century Blade based on the Nydam finds and finds in Samson, the
Netherlands. This is a great infantrymans sword, if youre willing to pay.
Semispatha: Roman for a Half-Spatha these would have been
similar to gladii, but shorter, and would have also included seaxes.
Again, unfortunately there are none of these readily available on
the market, although they have been found dating to the 3rd
century and are attested to by Ammianus and Vegetius. A man
who carried a Spatha would not necessarily have had a halfspatha, its more likely you had either or. Some finds, however, of
higher ranking men show they carried both a Spatha and a HalfSpatha or Seax.
We recommend having one made by a blacksmith.
Replik Semispatha This is the only Semispatha I could find, it dates to the 3rd century but is
probably acceptable for later era use. If youre willing to dish out the cash, this is a great piece
for a heavy infantryman.

Templ Pouan Seax Historically Accurate Seax based on the Pouan find in the 5th century.
Cloisonn pommel based off a find in the Czech Republic. This is truly a great piece for an
officer impression if you can afford it. I highly recommend it for the bucellarius unit we portray,
but only if youre willing to spend the money.
Knives: By this point the pugio was phased out, and simple knives and saxes would have been
used, if they were used. We recommend having these custom-made by a blacksmith.
[email protected] Late Roman Knives offered by Robert Wimmers

Spears, Javelins, and Plumbatae

Hasta, Contus, and Angon: These were all names for spears of the era. The
Hasta was a roman copy of the greek dory, and had a leaf-shape blade and was
about 6-8 feet long. Although used in the 4th century, by the 5th century they
would have been replaced by the contus. The Contus was about 8-12 feet long,
and had either a leaf shape or a biconvex leaf shape blade. The Angon was a
Germanic spear, essentially the same as a Hasta or Contus, but was barbed and
could double as a missile weapon, like the Spiculum.
GP001 Roman Hasta Carried by Armamentaria, this hand-forged Hasta is 7
feet long and works good for a Late Roman impression.
Templ Angon Germanic Angon made by Templ, not as expensive as their other products but
still a quality piece. Dates to the late 5th and early 6th century, and based on a find in InzingHartkirchen. Great for a foederatus impression.
Spiculum/Pilum: The Pilum survived into the late era as the
spiculum, as mentioned by Vegetius. Some heavy infantry would
have carried these, and they had barbed heads. Finds from Arbeia and
Carvoran prove they remained in use. Unlike the original pilum,
however, the spiculum could also be used as a thrusting spear.
GP008 Carvoran Barbed Lance Head Carried by Armamentaria, we recommend an Ash
pole for your spiculum.
GP009 Arbeia Barbed Lance Head Carried by Armamentaria, these barbed heads will work
great for late Roman missile weapons.
[email protected] Late Roman Spiculum pieces offered by Robert Wimmers
Verutum and Lancaea: These are names for short, 3-4 foot javelins carried
by legionnaires on clips on their shields in the 4th and 5th centuries, and he
usually had 2-3 of them. These throwing javelins should also be custom
made, we recommend ash.
GP011 Javelin Head Carried by Armamentaria, perfect pyramidal-shaped
heads for a Verrutum.

Plumbatae and Mattiobarbuli: These were names for the same

thing, a lead weighted throwing dart similar to lawn darts from the
70s and 80s. They were carried clipped to the back of a
legionnaires shield and he usually had 4-5 of them, or they could be
carried in a quiver hanging off a legionnaires belt. They are rather
readily available, if you purchase deepeeka, but are not that expensive
to have custom made either.
Comitatus Guide to Plumbatae A guide on Plumbatae and how to use them.
Fectio Plumbata Do it Yourself Make your own Plumbatae!
AH4220 Plumbata - This plumbata is carried by deepeeka and is rather inexpensive, until you
buy 5 of them. We recommend purchasing through Soul of the Warrior.
GP009 Arbeia Barbed Lance Head Carried by Armamentaria, these barbed heads will work
great for late Roman missile weapons.
[email protected] Offered by Robert Wimmers, who makes several Plumbata heads

Archery:
Symmetrical Roman Bows: The Romans used several types of symmetrical bow, including
self-bows, recurve bows, and composite bows. They were around the same length as Hunnic
bows, but were not designed to be used from horse back as they were foot-archer bows. Do your
research before having one made.
Comitatus Guide to Roman Archery
Asymmetrical Hunnic Bows: Hunnic bows were over
130cm long, and composite in nature featuring multiple
layers of wood and horn glued together, and used sinew
strings. They were Asymmetrical so the bows could be
larger when used from horse-back, and although they
fired awkwardly, the Huns were reported to have been
deadly accurate with these bows. However, the Huns did
not introduce this bow the Alans did, the huns just had
different ways of using it and were more effective. Do
your research before having one made.
Grozer Hunnish Bow - The Extra III Hunnic
Composite Bow is both historically accurate and
expensive, but its a quality item and worth the price.
The Extra III is the only one that uses purely natural
materials, like wood, sinew, and horn. The other bows
are of great quality as well, but use modern materials.
I would not recommend purchasing a bow unless you are experienced with archery they
require intense care and maintenance to keep them in proper condition.

Arcuballista:
Arcuballista: The Romans, one day, decided to take a recurve bow
and mount it on a stock with a bone nut and a z-handle lever. Lo and
Behold, the medieval crossbow. Although the Romans had been
using bolt-throwing Torsion Spring devices called Scorpiones or
Scorpions for centuries, handheld ones are sparsely attested to, but
there was a find of a handheld torsion spring device in Xanten. True
Crossbows are depicted in reliefs in Gaul as early as the 3rd century
in the Haute-Loire reliefs, and are subsequently mentioned by
Vegetius and the Strategikon of Maurice, and may have been
referenced to by Arrian. They were early crossbows, and not very
powerful, but effective against unarmored opponents as most
barbarians were. Unlike the Manuballistae, such as the Xanten find,
they could be fired one handed or from horseback, and were much
faster to operate. There are currently none available on the market,
but it is possible to make your own. They are much easier to use and
maintain than a bow.
Arcuballista Basic Construction:
Comitatus has images of theirs you can use as a base, and its not difficult to do the rest.
Make a basic self-bow or partial recurve bow about 90cm long, and lash it with rope using two
wedges to the stock. It should be made of Ash Wood, 1 in 10 at least, with 1 in 100 being
preferable as it is fine grain, slow grown, and denser. You might be able to find something from
a bowyer, otherwise you gotta use the lumber yard.
The stock should have a groove for the bolt with an area for a bone or iron nut attached to an iron
handle, with a grove in the front for the bow and wedges. The trigger should be a rolling nut
attached to a metal iron handle, which goes underneath the stock. The nut should allow for a
30cm draw distance, and the stock should have a handle mounted onto the back. The string
should be rope or sinew. A bone nut will only take so much draw weight, so for higher draws we
recommend metal.
Also what can be used (And is easier to do) is a sliding handle, where the handle attached to the
back of the stock is pulled back, which drops the nut (which has a flat bottom) and allows it to
fire.
-

It is recommended you mount a spring onto the nut to allow the trigger to snap back into
place the Romans had these we know from their doorknobs.
The draw weight varies lower draw weights of around 45 pounds allow for bone-tipped
bolts, but the draw weight of the crossbow can go as high as 90 pounds.
Bolts should be ash, have 2 stabilizers with bone or iron tips. They should weigh around
25g for iron, and 10g for bone tips.

To cock the bow, dont try it like a traditional medieval crossbow. Stand to one side with
your right hand on the handle, and use the left to pull the bowstring up like in the image
son Comitatus. Otherwise you may damage the bow.

Comitatus Arcuballista Images

Clothing:
Tunica Manicata: The Tunica was the same as before, but late
roman soldiers were known to have patterns sewn onto their
tunics, just like civilians. These patterns were called orbii and
clavii, and were stripes and symbols sewn onto the tunic as dcor.
They could include orbs, squares, swastikas and other patterns.
These are readily available on the market. We do not recommend
Yellow or Purple colors for anything other than an officer
impression, as these were some of the most expensive dyes in
antiquity. White was probably the most common base color, with
other colors like red, green, and blue used for the orbii and clavii.
Medieval Design has two tunics based on the piazza armerina
mosaics, probably the best on the market. They come in a variety
of colors and a few pattern options as well. We recommend
appealing, but natural-looking, color combinations. Yellow with
dark red dcor is a personal favorite of mine.
Ancient Empires Reproductions Has 2 Manicata tunics, great basic soldier tunics, come in
white with blue dcor or red dcor. Highly recommended for a starter impression.
You can also make your own! Comitatus Guide to Late Roman Tunics
Sagum/Clamys/Paenula The Sagum or cloak was still used in this era,
and was still its classic rectangular shape. These usually were decorated
with orbii like tunics, and sometimes had a fringe. They often had rounded
corners, rather than sharp ones. The Clamys was an oval cloak of this
particular era, and it was also a decorated piece. The Paenula also
continued usage into this era, but had changed, now only half-length in the
front. The Abolla was a Roman military cloak appearing in the Late
Republic, but disappearing in the 2nd century. It later re-appeared in the 4th
century and was replaced by the Clamys beginning in the 5th. We
recommend natural colors.
Medieval Design Has a great set of Sagum cloaks, their Fringed Sagum, Orbicula Sagum, and
Oval Clamys are all acceptable for a 5th century impression.
Armamentaria Sells a diamond twill wool sagum with a fringe, great for 4th/5th century
soldier.
La Wrens Nest Sells a Roman Abolla, comes in a few colors. Great piece for 4th/5th century
re-enactment.
You can also make your own!

Braccae Trousers or Braccae were common in this era, especially in places like Gaul, Illyria,
Spain, or Italy. They should extend to the ankle, or longer, and be of natural colors.
Medieval Design Has great trousers based on the Thorsberg finds. With or without feet.

Pileus Pannonicus, Pilos, Cucullus These were all different kinds of

headgear. The Pileus Pannonicus was a pillbox hat and was very, very
common amongst soldiers, being made of fur, felt, or heavy wool. The Pilos
was made of felt or heavy wool and was being phased out, but still would
have been seen. The Cucullus was a hood adopted from the Germanics and
was made of wool.
Medieval Design Sells all of these, some in different colors. We
recommend natural colors.
La Wrens Nest Sells the Pileus Pannonicus in Blue and Black.

Jewelry:
Fibulae: Fibulae were brooches or pins to hold up cloaks and other
items. In this era the most common were the Crossbow fibula, and the
cheaper penannular brooch.
Medieval Design Sells both the Penannular and Crossbow Fibulae
Armamentaria Crossbow Brooch This Crossbow Fibulae is based on a 4th century find. This
would have been a cheaper crossbow fibula.
Soul of the Warrior Pennanular Fibulae These are hand-made pennanular brooches. Great
low-cost pieces, here in the US.
Cologne Crossbow Fibula Dates to the 4th century A.D. and is hand made.
Rzeszow Crossbow Fibula This hand-made fibula dates to the 5th century A.D. and is from a
find in Poland. This could work for a high-ranking officers impression.
Horse Head Fibula This is nothing less than an officers fibula, with multiple horses heads
forming the shape of a swastika. Based on a 4th century find.
HR Replikate Sells a large Variety of Late Roman Brooches and Jewelry.
Raymonds Quiet Press Sells Roman Brooch made by Hattatt.
Jewelry and Cloissonne: Jewelry in Roman times was the same as it is today for the most part
brooches, fibulae, rings, and earrings could all be made of silver and gold with inlaid stones.
Cloisonn jewels were ivory, gold, or silver inlaid with semi-precious or precious stones. They
included pommels, guards, rings, brooches, belt pouches, and many other forms of jewelry. They
were introduced in the beginning of the Merovingian period, with finds in places such as Pouan,
France.
HR Replikate Sells various Roman Rings and Jewels
Replik Sells Late Roman Rings, Chains, and Bracelets. Look under Roman and Late
Antiquity.
Raymonds Quiet Press Sells several pieces of Roman jewelry.

Coins: In the Late Era the Romans and the Barbarians all used the
Solidus, a gold coin that wasnt even devalued until the 10th century
A.D. This partially solved the inflation and economic crisis at the end of
the 3rd century, by providing a stable currency. Along with the Solidus
you had the Semissis, a gold coin equaling 1/3 of a Solidus, the
Miliarenese, which was a large silver coin, the Siliquia, a small silver
coin similar to the Denarius, but without the debasement, and the Bronze
Follis and Nummus, being large and small bronze coins. The Nummis
and the Follis are both coins easy to acquire on the numismatics market, if youre interested in
acquiring real roman currency. Otherwise, some places sell replica coinage.
HR Replikate - Sells a replica Siliquia of the usurper Magnentius.
Museum Reproductions Sells coin reproductions from all ages, including a Semissis of
Valentinian III! There can be variations in thickness, etc, but they make great repros!
Living History Sells Roman coin reproductions, including a few late roman coins. Great stuff,
can also sell blanks and dies for you to make your own coins!

Belts, Scabbards, and Baldrics:

Balteus: The Balteus or belt was used for holding up your
gear and for decoration. They were often dyed a variety of
colors as well.
We highly recommend you make your own, but there are
also several you can purchase. Tandy leather is great for
your leather, and we recommend 4-5 oz leather for your
belt.
Comitatus Guide to Roman Belts
Armamentaria Sells Late Roman Belt parts we recommend any of Armamentarias pieces.
It makes for a great DIY project, and still comes out accurate. Very affordable by comparison.
AH6702 Late Roman Balteus Made by Deepeeka, this isnt a bad belt and is good for a
starter infantryman impression. We recommend purchasing through Soul of the Warrior.
Medieval Design Sells the Oundenburg full belt parts set, which we highly recommend for
officer or high-grade infantry impressions.
Replik Kaiser-Augst Belt Based on finds from Augst, this is an officers belt and appropriate
for the 4th century, maybe early 5th. If youre willing to spend the cash, this is a great replica.
HR Replikate Sells a variety of Late Roman Belts, very high quality craftsmanship and can be
very expensive. Great place if you can afford it.
Raymonds Quiet Press Sells several belt sets and individual parts, including Dorchester and
Oudenburg finds. Great, high quality craftsmanship.
Baldrics: Baldrics were used to hold your sword, and were slung over the shoulder. Some were
attached to the belt and hung on the waist.
La Wrens Nest Late Roman Baldric Late Era Baldric based on 4th century reliefs. Good
starter item, for a good price. If you need a baldric to hang your sword from, this is a great start.
Armae 3rd Century Baldric Brass Baldric parts for a 3rd Century Baldric. Good quality, based
on finds from Silchester and Banasa.

Scabbard Scabbards were used to hold knives, swords, etc. In this era sword scabbards were a
long leather wrap with an iron, brass, or bronze chape at the end, a metal band around the top,
and with a slider near the top to hold it on a baldric. Most swords come with a scabbard, but
theyre not difficult to make.
Armamentaria Corbridge Slider Slider from a find at Corbridge, the same find their
Corbridge belt parts come from. Dates to the 4th century.

Socks, Leg Wraps, and Boots

Calcei and Carbatinae: These were both names for Roman boots. Boots
had phased out caligae, as they supported and protected the feet better.
From this era the Vindolanda, Cujik, Deurne, and Dura Europus boots are
acceptable, along with other patterns. These fall under two patterns the
Ramshaw and the Zwammerdam.
Medieval Design Sells the Zwammerdam and Ramshaw patterns. Dated 2nd - 4th century. Also
sells one of the Cujik Patterns, dated 4th-5th century.
Armamentaria Sells the Dura Europos boots, in several sizes. Dated 3rd century, appropriate
for later impressions too. UK sizes are different from US sizes.
Ancient Empires Reproductions Sells the Ramshaw pattern, good soldiers boot. Dated 2nd-4th
century.
Or Make your Own! Comitatus shoemaking guide.
Udones Udones or socks were also common in this era, along with leg
wrappings. They were often made in a style called Naalbinding which
involved a single needle construction. Also used were leg wraps, which
could be a single or several pieces of cloth.
Soul of the Warrior Offers handmade wool socks.
Armamentaria Sells Naalbinding socks. UK Sizes are different from
US sizes.
Medieval Design Offers handmade Vindolanda socks and the
Sogaards Mose Leg Wraps. Get natural colors (grey, brown, etc).

What not to Buy:

AH2001 Late Late Roman Spatha Made by Deepeeka, this doesnt have a slider, has an
inaccurate scabbard, the blade is not made properly, and the hilt has absolutely no historical
basis. It is a very poor sword, and the rest of their spathae are pretty bad too.
AH6716N Intercisa I Ridge Helmet made by Deepeeka, I actually bought it in summer of
2013. They no longer offer the correct cheekpieces on the helmet, and all of their helmets now
have the same lousy Intercisa-II cheekpieces. Do not buy this unless you have the skill to reshape the cheekpices to the right size and pattern.
AH6048 Berkasovo Officer Helmet Made by Deepeeka, Although not a bad piece, the layout
of the jewels is inaccurate, the cheek-pieces are a little weird, and for its price it is better to save
up and have one made anyways.
AH 6722/6351 Intercisa II and Intercisa IV Late Roman Centurions Helmets Made by
Deepeeka, the cheek pieces are funny, and need improvement. The crest also needs work on the
6351, and it needs a ridge on the helmet. The Intercisa-II can be fixed by cutting the cheekpieces
to the right shape. The Intercisa-IV is not fixable.
AH6723 Deurne Helmet An attempted replica of the Deurne Helmet its not bad, but it has
some issues notably the funny shaped cheek pieces, and the lack of leather straps like on the
Koblenz helmet. This helmet can be fixed by dishing the cheekpieces, and trimming them back a
little if you have the skill to re-punch the designs.
Manning Imperial Kragehul Mose Migration Era Sword Not a bad sword, but the handle
should be a combination of wood, bone, and brass, which it isnt; they also shortened the length
to 28 inches.
Manning Imperial Roman Cavalry Helmet (ID: 453) Although the bowl and neckguard are
correct, the cheekpieces need work, they should have a metal plate covering the hinge.
Manning Imperial Ostrogothic Helmet (ID: 589) Materials used are quality, but not correct.
The helmet is too simple as well. Top of the helmet should have a plume attachment. It should
also be more decorative.
Manning Imperial Ostrogothic Helmet (ID: 229) The top of the helmet where the plates
come together is wrong and should have a plume attachment. Too simple and should be more
decorative.
Medievalrepro Intercisa I Helmet These guys really did their research, this is a great replica
of the Intercisa I or Augst ridge helmet. However, it is much too thick being made of 14
gauge steel.
Medievalrepro Berkasovo Helmet Helmet is good, but is made of 14 gauge. Avoid it.

PA2075B/PA2075R Late Roman Coptic Tunic Orbii and Clavii are done wrong, and are in
the wrong places on the tunic. Its missing the Clavii on the bottom and is too short.
PAS1008 Roman High Boot Attempt at replicating the Dura Europus style Boot. Its too high
and the laces are done wrong. The Sole and Shape of the boot is weird too.
Vindolanda Fell Boots Made by DSC, and is often mistaken as a 4th century boot. This boot in
fact dates to the 1st century and is the Fell Boot. Many vendors mix this piece up with a 4th
century Ramshaw found at Vindolanda, but never reproduced by any supplier.