01-07-2009, 08:54 PM
Please excuse me joining the thread at such a late stage. I have been pounding metal into early seaxes during holidays.
But if I look at the work Miks did on swords, there is much to be said for looking at both form and period of use. Most of our impressions are to portray an accurate picture as possible of a Roman soldier at a given moment in time. Most reenactors seem to prefer the first century, but there are many others around who chose a different period. Classifications should imho preferably be based on a system making it easier to assemble a matching group, period helmet, with right armour, with right sword, with right pugio, with right footwear. There will be overlap, as some articles are being fased out as others gain ground, but the dating of objects reflects the evolution of thinking about warfare and the protection or offensive strength needed. A helmet is part of a weapons system, both of the wearer as of that of the opponent.
But if I look at the work Miks did on swords, there is much to be said for looking at both form and period of use. Most of our impressions are to portray an accurate picture as possible of a Roman soldier at a given moment in time. Most reenactors seem to prefer the first century, but there are many others around who chose a different period. Classifications should imho preferably be based on a system making it easier to assemble a matching group, period helmet, with right armour, with right sword, with right pugio, with right footwear. There will be overlap, as some articles are being fased out as others gain ground, but the dating of objects reflects the evolution of thinking about warfare and the protection or offensive strength needed. A helmet is part of a weapons system, both of the wearer as of that of the opponent.
