06-07-2012, 03:23 PM
Crispus - to a large extent I agree with you. We have known each other for 12 years, and I have always respected your opinion and knowledge on the subject. One of the big problems we have is that as re-enactors we do not wear what the Romans wore, how many have waterproofed their paenula, either with original lanolin or modern waterproofing? Not many I bet. However, the one thing that history has taught us is that conquering armies copy the styles of the indigenous population, and I would be very surprised if the Legions did not copy the local Britons to some extent with their leg and arm coverings.
The strive for authenticity is a good one. I used to be a purist but then I realised that in fact, in this modern world, it is better to be slightly inaccurate and give a good portrayal than to be 100% and not. Look at the Roman Tours Kid's Army, (which yes, we did do first!), totally inaccurate in every way but great at getting the public involved and interested.
As the event safety officer I was very surprised, to say the least, that we had a number of mild hypothermia cases. They were because people were not used to being outside in inclement conditions and did not take the proper care, wether Roman or not. One has to assume that the Romans, as with modern soldiers (as well as Farmers and anyone who works outside) would have taken the right care and precautions to avoid this.
However, as Mark wrote, most of us are very inaccurate with regards to one area of authenticity....our age. I am 48 and well aware that 1900 years ago there is a very good chance I would have been dead by now, and if not dead probably not still in service. What are we going to do about that from an authenticity viewpoint?
It is good that there are knowledgable people like yourself to add the authentic element to the discussion, but I hate to say that in many cases it is just conjecture as to what they wore.
I also do American Civil War re-enacting (total cowboys and Indians but great fun!). Most groups realise that accuracy and what in fact happens are 2 different things. In my group one Regiment does strive to be as authentic as possible; they march into camp with what the ACW soldier would have had and stay in it until they march out at the end. Because of this they normally have to have one member taken away by a very unauthentic Ambulance every weekend! Lets know our limitations.
This discussion of what the Romans did and did not do will go until time travel is possible. It is a useful one, and maybe one we can make into something at the next festival, lets get a large input from people.
The main thing about this Festival is to bring together as much of the Roman re-enacting world to produce a world class event, that I think we are doing, lets keep it growing each year. maybe a Cohort in 5 years time (Len, do you want to start making your Tribune gear!)
The strive for authenticity is a good one. I used to be a purist but then I realised that in fact, in this modern world, it is better to be slightly inaccurate and give a good portrayal than to be 100% and not. Look at the Roman Tours Kid's Army, (which yes, we did do first!), totally inaccurate in every way but great at getting the public involved and interested.
As the event safety officer I was very surprised, to say the least, that we had a number of mild hypothermia cases. They were because people were not used to being outside in inclement conditions and did not take the proper care, wether Roman or not. One has to assume that the Romans, as with modern soldiers (as well as Farmers and anyone who works outside) would have taken the right care and precautions to avoid this.
However, as Mark wrote, most of us are very inaccurate with regards to one area of authenticity....our age. I am 48 and well aware that 1900 years ago there is a very good chance I would have been dead by now, and if not dead probably not still in service. What are we going to do about that from an authenticity viewpoint?
It is good that there are knowledgable people like yourself to add the authentic element to the discussion, but I hate to say that in many cases it is just conjecture as to what they wore.
I also do American Civil War re-enacting (total cowboys and Indians but great fun!). Most groups realise that accuracy and what in fact happens are 2 different things. In my group one Regiment does strive to be as authentic as possible; they march into camp with what the ACW soldier would have had and stay in it until they march out at the end. Because of this they normally have to have one member taken away by a very unauthentic Ambulance every weekend! Lets know our limitations.
This discussion of what the Romans did and did not do will go until time travel is possible. It is a useful one, and maybe one we can make into something at the next festival, lets get a large input from people.
The main thing about this Festival is to bring together as much of the Roman re-enacting world to produce a world class event, that I think we are doing, lets keep it growing each year. maybe a Cohort in 5 years time (Len, do you want to start making your Tribune gear!)
Dea Gratia, Sum Quod Sum
