Female reenactors as soldiers?

[John Conyard]

The view that you have to be a man to portray a Roman soldier in re-enactment dates from the 1970's, and attitudes and legislation have moved on.

The idea that you need to be a certain age, or shape, or fitness, etc etc . are interesting but are hardly aimed at making the hobby inclusive of fun. In part they mirror worrying trends in society about just who is considered "British" or allowed to enter and live in the UK.

A convincing impression is all that matters. Which means excellent kit and equipment, and perhaps the ability to use it.

Excellent equipment is a good start. And it is of course easier to portray a low status soldier well than a high status soldier badly. But that equipment needs to be used, and given time to develop tell-tale wear marks and patterns that show it is fit to be used and lived in. You need to learn simple basic skills to make the armour more than fancy dress. Learning how Roman equipment is used and functions gives our hobby a "higher purpose", hard data that can be used to further knowledge about the period.

There endeth the sermon. But I couldn't resist. Now I think Mrs. Conyard wants to tell you how girlie you all are. :roll: