Another new Graham Sumner book?

[Caballo]

Taking the plunge on a first review of this major work……

Overall approach

The approach is to take a holistic view of all the contemporary evidence - literary, archaeological, sculpture, and pictorial. The scholarship is immense- drawing on sources and finds that were certainly new to me. In many ways, the book looks to update Robinson, and certainly to challenge some of the key parts of that text.

It would be fair to say that while Bishop and Coulston take a very high level of probability and rigour before drawing a conclusion, D’Amato takes a view on the most likely position.

The illustrations are lavish- and the quality of the book for the price is outstanding. It’s a book that, for my money is worth it for this alone. Plus there are items here that you will find nowhere else- including objects that have disappeared from public view. It is also footnoted and cross referenced to illustrations/ literary sources etc- with a source book that is exhaustive. This allows the reader to review all the comments and (ultimately) make your own mind up.

Personally, I would not have included illustrations of items such as the Toledo helmet (even though it is flagged as of doubtful authenticity). I would also have cut back on some of the assertions- e.g. that the traditional weapon of the Britons were clubs (stele of Catavignus of Cohors III Britannorum, Cuneo Museum, fig 233).

Specific topics

I pulled out a few areas where I am sure RAT readers will be very interested….

-Lorica segmentata

-Leather segmentata- The prime evidence here has always been sculptural- e.g. Trajan’s column or the Portonaccio sarcophagus. The argument against has always been that there was no archeological evidence. However, D’Amato quotes the leather displayed from Qasr Ibrim, which the British Museum also classify as a possible body armour ( http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/s ... rentPage=1 ) . For what its worth, I started off extremely sceptical about the possibility of leather segmentata. By the end, I certainly believed that there is a case to be made, but not 100% convinced. But could all those contemporary Roman sculptors, acting independently in different places, all be wrong?

-Leather edged lorica segmentata–The main evidence here is sculptural evidence such as the Great Trajanic Frieze. D’Amato argues that the lames of the segmentata are leather edged. My question is that given the existence of brass edged segmentata pieces (e.g. Kalkriese) is brass/ bronze edging more likely? It would be good to see a reconstruction to see if leather actually works as an edging here or whether it is quickly worn away. My view- not convinced.

-Bronze lorica segmentata– These are new finds from Novae (fig 301), with photographs. Completely new to me, and would be a startling appearance. Possible pictorial evidence from Nero’s Domus Aurea.

-Lorica musculata
D’Amato argues that bronze lorica musculata existed but were rare and that leather musculata with metal appliqués e.g. a chest gorgoneion existed. I found the evidence compelling, and have reconstructed a leather musculata with metal appliqué gorgoneion. It works.

-Cavalry sports helmets
D’Amato argues that the concept of a “parade helmet” is a purely 20th century concept and that facemasks were worn in combat, e.g. as shown by the Genialis stele at Cirencester. I was convinced, separate tests on peripheral vision loss with face mask wearers show that it would be practicable, especially in a large mass, with a startling psychological impact on those standing against the rider.

- Insignia
D’Amato argues that the distinguishing mark of a unit were shields and crests, with one of the crucial pieces of evidence being Caesar at the battle of the Sambre. Certainly, a practical solution as shields are highly visibIe from the front, crests from the rear (tunic colour is barely noticeable).

-Conclusion

Its an important and heavyweight book, and a must have for any Roman army enthusiast. It is excellent value, and has objects that are simply not available elsewhere. Given the challenging and controversial conclusions, I’m not sure I would recommend it for the complete beginner, but for everyone else, very much recommended.