08-15-2011, 10:41 PM
The most common items of multiple owership are helmets. But, I believe there is also a shield boss with more than one man's name on it.
As Crispus wrote above, the letter cited where the soldier is writing to his father for equipment, belongs to a period after AD 140. Something changed in 140 because from about that date, the soldiers appear to have become fully responsible for purchasing their own equipment, as pay stoppages cease. (Sarah Elise Phang, Roman Military Service is one book which mentions it). The Emperor Hadrian is credited with the change or early in the reign of Antoninus Pius, his successor; corruption in the supply system thought to be a reason (by the author) - not necessarily the only one.
The Roman army like any institution changed over time and look at the years we are discussing 250 or so. Marius is credited with reforms; we are on better ground with the reorganization and reforms of Augustus; Claudius for more; Vespasian for others and Hadrian, etc... For none of them do we have the actual regulations or however the reforms were handled. Again, as Crispus wrote, because 99... % of it is gone!
As Crispus wrote above, the letter cited where the soldier is writing to his father for equipment, belongs to a period after AD 140. Something changed in 140 because from about that date, the soldiers appear to have become fully responsible for purchasing their own equipment, as pay stoppages cease. (Sarah Elise Phang, Roman Military Service is one book which mentions it). The Emperor Hadrian is credited with the change or early in the reign of Antoninus Pius, his successor; corruption in the supply system thought to be a reason (by the author) - not necessarily the only one.
The Roman army like any institution changed over time and look at the years we are discussing 250 or so. Marius is credited with reforms; we are on better ground with the reorganization and reforms of Augustus; Claudius for more; Vespasian for others and Hadrian, etc... For none of them do we have the actual regulations or however the reforms were handled. Again, as Crispus wrote, because 99... % of it is gone!
Quinton Johansen
Marcus Quintius Clavus, Optio Secundae Pili Prioris Legionis III Cyrenaicae
Marcus Quintius Clavus, Optio Secundae Pili Prioris Legionis III Cyrenaicae
