Craft Storage | Miniatures Storage | Roman Army
The Roman Army is one of the classic Wargames armies to collect. There are now quite a number of producers of both plastic and metal figures in a variety of sizes. The advantage of the Roman army is, I think, its iconic nature. It is readily identifiable and an image that many of us probably remember fondly from school trips round museums. You can also try different theaters, cold damp northern climbs for the invasion of Britannia and Germania, or the hot and dusty Med for Punic Wars and Parthians. Or go head to head for some Legion on Legion action, alternatively take on Spartacus in the Slaves Revolt.
Roman Cavalry HelmetRoman Britain, 1st century ADFrom Witcham Gravel, Ely, CambridgeshireThe helmet would have protected the wearer's head with an inner iron head-piece and neck-guard, which are now largely missing. Though the small bosses would have helped deflect blows from weapons, the outer bronze casing is mostly decorative.A silvery coating of tin was applied to the dome, neck-guard and cheek-pieces, giving a striking contrast with the golden-coloured bronze parts.The crest box, one cheek-piece and several of the bosses are now missing. (information from British Museum)Roman Gladius - The Fulham SwordRoman Britain, 1st century ADFound in the River Thames at Fulham, LondonThis is the characteristic sword of the Roman legionary at this period. Only the handle, and the wooden or leather lining of the sheath are missing. Metallographic examination of the iron blade has shown that the cutting edges have been hardened.The maker has decorated the bronze scabbard plate with embossed motifs. These include the popular Roman motif of the she-wolf suckling the twins Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. Traces of tinning show that the scabbard plate would originally have been a shiny silver colour. (information from the British Museum)
Caligae - hobnail sandelsPilum - heavy throwing javelinGladius - short thrusting swordScutum - shieldLorica segmentata - scale armourGalea - helmetThe main elements of a Roman legionaries armour and weapons as modelled by a thirty year old Airfix Roman.