10-18-2005, 10:13 AM
Is this a Principate 'knight' or an earlier Republican one?
If Principate, I would first of all keep in mind that that makes you seriously wealthy, (not one of the super-rich, but think multimillionaire businessman in a modern context), so you will most likely not travel alone. At the very least, you should have one slave with you at all times. He will be the most important part of you 'travel gear'.
You shoulds at least consider a carriage (not necessarily a heavy four-wheeled one, though these were popular). In the Roman world, if you were wealthy you did not ride or walk, and you need to transport your possessions somehow.
Given the fact that travel of the kind you have in mind would include lengthy 'multi-week or multi-month) stays in certain location, you would be carrying a lot of, for want of a better word, stuff. A chest for clothing, basic, wood, and square, would be the first thing. You need to carry a spare tunic at least, a cloak, a few under-tunics, and a dinner set (synthesis) for invitations. And, of course, the much-hated toga. As an eques, I don't see how you could get out of the obligation to own and occasionally wear one. I would also include a 'capsa', a cylindrical book-box with your favourite literature (you can find good illustrations of large ones in the Vergilius Romanus - if you want the pictures, drop me a line). Then there should be smaller cases with your cosmetics kit (strigil, pincers, maybe curling iron, depilation tools, salves, body oil and perfumes) a writing set (wax tablets, pen, inkpot, scrolls or sheets of blank papyrus or wood slivers and conveniently sited potsherds for everyday notes, possibly a bronze or pottery lamp). I can probably help you with some pictures here, too, but again I have not found a convenient way of hosting them, so you'll need to give me an e-mail address to send them to. As to cosmetics, I am not sure if there was a clear distinction between 'male' and 'fem,ale' kits, but you might want to look at the Proiecta Casket. Now, that thing is made from silver and just scream 'ultra-riich', but the basic size and shape copuld be of interest, and is documtented in images. But of course, so are simple square boxes.
You will also be carrying a sheaf of documents - letters of introduction to friends and friends of friends, letters from influential friends of the family to smooth your way, and probably small gifts and letters you are carrying for friends from friends. An interesting instance of a doicument container (as opposed to a scroll container) was found at En Gedio in the so-called 'Cave of Letters', a leather wallet held together with a string. I have reconstructed one and am using it for various purposes now.
Depending on where you travel (and to how much luxury you are accustomed), you may also bring along a cook and his cooking gear. However, in much of the civilised world there were enough opprtunities to buy food along the way, and in cities you would often be relying on the hospitality of friends and kin. However, if I were that rich and travelliung in the Roman world, I would definitely want to carry my own bedding. A thin mattress, neckroll and blanket should do. If we can trust various frescos, the Romans seem to have liked stripes in primary colours on white.
Many members of the Roman elites were very health-conscious, so carrying some basic medicinal preparations would not be out of place. Laxatives, purgatives and drugs to aid digestion, maybe aphrodisiacs or, if you are of the fearful type, antidotes.
Of course would would be carrying cash, probably in a lockable box.
I would argue against typical 'camping gear' like a tent, field bed or simple cooking gear - because you will be travelling in civilised regions and should be able to find food and shelter daily (unless you like the Great Oudoors - some did, and went on extended hunting trips for recreation). However, a collapsible bronze tripod brazier might be a good thing to have reliable heating, improvised dining, and a portable altar for your sacrifices. You might also want to consider incense and a libation dish. Not necessary, but if you are conscientious - the Romans wanted their ceremonies done *right*. A portable brazier for this purpose was part of household equipment for the upper classes.
Does that help any?
If Principate, I would first of all keep in mind that that makes you seriously wealthy, (not one of the super-rich, but think multimillionaire businessman in a modern context), so you will most likely not travel alone. At the very least, you should have one slave with you at all times. He will be the most important part of you 'travel gear'.
You shoulds at least consider a carriage (not necessarily a heavy four-wheeled one, though these were popular). In the Roman world, if you were wealthy you did not ride or walk, and you need to transport your possessions somehow.
Given the fact that travel of the kind you have in mind would include lengthy 'multi-week or multi-month) stays in certain location, you would be carrying a lot of, for want of a better word, stuff. A chest for clothing, basic, wood, and square, would be the first thing. You need to carry a spare tunic at least, a cloak, a few under-tunics, and a dinner set (synthesis) for invitations. And, of course, the much-hated toga. As an eques, I don't see how you could get out of the obligation to own and occasionally wear one. I would also include a 'capsa', a cylindrical book-box with your favourite literature (you can find good illustrations of large ones in the Vergilius Romanus - if you want the pictures, drop me a line). Then there should be smaller cases with your cosmetics kit (strigil, pincers, maybe curling iron, depilation tools, salves, body oil and perfumes) a writing set (wax tablets, pen, inkpot, scrolls or sheets of blank papyrus or wood slivers and conveniently sited potsherds for everyday notes, possibly a bronze or pottery lamp). I can probably help you with some pictures here, too, but again I have not found a convenient way of hosting them, so you'll need to give me an e-mail address to send them to. As to cosmetics, I am not sure if there was a clear distinction between 'male' and 'fem,ale' kits, but you might want to look at the Proiecta Casket. Now, that thing is made from silver and just scream 'ultra-riich', but the basic size and shape copuld be of interest, and is documtented in images. But of course, so are simple square boxes.
You will also be carrying a sheaf of documents - letters of introduction to friends and friends of friends, letters from influential friends of the family to smooth your way, and probably small gifts and letters you are carrying for friends from friends. An interesting instance of a doicument container (as opposed to a scroll container) was found at En Gedio in the so-called 'Cave of Letters', a leather wallet held together with a string. I have reconstructed one and am using it for various purposes now.
Depending on where you travel (and to how much luxury you are accustomed), you may also bring along a cook and his cooking gear. However, in much of the civilised world there were enough opprtunities to buy food along the way, and in cities you would often be relying on the hospitality of friends and kin. However, if I were that rich and travelliung in the Roman world, I would definitely want to carry my own bedding. A thin mattress, neckroll and blanket should do. If we can trust various frescos, the Romans seem to have liked stripes in primary colours on white.
Many members of the Roman elites were very health-conscious, so carrying some basic medicinal preparations would not be out of place. Laxatives, purgatives and drugs to aid digestion, maybe aphrodisiacs or, if you are of the fearful type, antidotes.
Of course would would be carrying cash, probably in a lockable box.
I would argue against typical 'camping gear' like a tent, field bed or simple cooking gear - because you will be travelling in civilised regions and should be able to find food and shelter daily (unless you like the Great Oudoors - some did, and went on extended hunting trips for recreation). However, a collapsible bronze tripod brazier might be a good thing to have reliable heating, improvised dining, and a portable altar for your sacrifices. You might also want to consider incense and a libation dish. Not necessary, but if you are conscientious - the Romans wanted their ceremonies done *right*. A portable brazier for this purpose was part of household equipment for the upper classes.
Does that help any?
Der Kessel ist voll Bärks!
Volker Bach
Volker Bach
