08-01-2011, 01:06 AM
Hello all this is my first thread so be kind. I am trying to create a profile of a "typical" mid fifth century western soldier. I realize that what this man would look like could be quite varied. He could come from a Germanic tribe as easily as be from Rome, Milan or Ravenna. What was this man's gear like? I have read that by the mid fifth lorica segmentata was out of style for over a hundred years. So I'm guessing scale armor, chain mail or leather would have been the norm. What sort of helmet would he have worn? Did most soldiers still carry a pilum? I have seen the Notitia Dignitatum so I have a concept of what later shields may have looked like but what colors would he have worn otherwise? Basically I have a lot of information I think I know but I want to run it past some folks who really know their stuff. Basically if Ricimer were leading me to Corsica to fight the Vandals what would I look like? What would the man next to me be like? What would the officers look like in comparison? My thoughts are that the army would have looked fairly thrown together in terms of not being uniform in equipment and dress when compared to the late republic or earlier imperial times especially when considering the use of mercenaries and non-Roman forces as supplemental soldiers.
The internet is a great resource but when trying to find sources for late antique subjects I feel like I am smacking my head against a wall sometimes and I'd like to have my facts straight. The books I have on the era are great for the overarching issues but these fine details are lacking. If you have any recommendations that I can request of my local library that would also be great. Thank you very much and I look forward to your replies.
The internet is a great resource but when trying to find sources for late antique subjects I feel like I am smacking my head against a wall sometimes and I'd like to have my facts straight. The books I have on the era are great for the overarching issues but these fine details are lacking. If you have any recommendations that I can request of my local library that would also be great. Thank you very much and I look forward to your replies.
Todd