COMITATUS

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23/06/2026

The limitanei border troops are characteristically portrayed as ineffectual, feeble and worthless. Historians have seen them as famers more than soldiers. This idea seems to have originated in the law codes of the Emperor Justinian in the mid-5th century A.D. The code could be read to suggest that the limitanei should not just guard the frontiers but be responsible for tilling the land.

However, Justinian’s Code (12.35.15) also states that soldiers “who get their arms and supplies from the state” are forbidden to work in the fields or herd animals and livestock. These jobs would have been reserved for the slaves and families instead. It is likely the limitanei owned land along the borders that was worked by their slaves and families, growing and raising food which would be sold to the army. Owning land also gave them a greater motivation to fight and defend their homes when attacked.

14/06/2026

The Roman version of the draco was adopted in the 2nd century from the peoples of the Steppe. Iconography shows various animal heads been used, with a windsock attached. The sole surviving head from Neiderbieber, dated to the 3rd century, is now in the Landesmuseum Koblenz. The head suggests a snake or a dragon, with two slits, 2 cm long piercing the lower jaw, possibly to attach some form of instrument to produce a hissing noise.

As a standard it marks the position of officers and units, and may have been used to indicate the wind-direction for archers. When deployed at the front of a column of cavalry it gives an early indication of changes of direction, allowing riders to follow the standard. It certainly can be used to inspire and intimidate.

11/06/2026

Vegetius writes that up to five plumbata or lead weighted throwing darts could be kept attached to the inside of the shield.

This is generally reconstructed by nailing a series of leather straps on the right side of the inner shield board, which hold the darts flat against it. However, this arrangement leaves the darts open to damage from blows coming through the shield board. More importantly the weight of the darts unbalances the shield, pulling it downwards and to the right.

Maurice mentions the use of leather buckets to carry darts, and a bucket can be simply tied onto the shield grip without recourse to nails or straps. The weight of the bucket full of darts always hangs on the hand behind the shield boss, not interfering with the shield’s balance. The shield protects the darts and the bucket can be easily discarded when the occasion arises. And the bucket can be carried attached to a saddle.

07/06/2026

The size of Roman horses seems to have stayed constant throughout the Imperial period. Size is crucial in determining speed of manoeuvre and the effectiveness of Roman cavalry.

Skeletal evidence suggests that in Britain, actual military horses were the size of small ponies, robust animals of 13.2 hands, with riders to match. On mainland Europe the average slightly taller at 14 hands. They had to be be capable of living outside and surviving the British climate.

31/05/2026

Reconstructions have a powerful visual impact. They can inspire and attract people to learn more about the period. But learning to use them can yield valuable data and greater understanding. They are integral to the understanding of artefacts and those who used them.

29/05/2026

Cavalrymen have to find a way of carrying their shield, bow, arrows, lance and sometimes javelins, either hanging from the saddle or themselves. As the late 6th century Strategikon of the Emperor Maurice states, riders must be able to hang their lance from their shoulder while drawing the bow and placing an arrow on the string. They must then be able to replace the bow and ready the lance.

Put simply riders must learn to look like Roman soldiers, comfortable with their kit and weaponry.

28/05/2026

Vegetius in Book III outlines how soldiers should perform armatura, for most of the day until they are exhausted.

These capped spears must be close to 20 years old. A deflected thrust leads to a counter thrust, which just misses the head.

25/05/2026

York is very much our home city, and we are pleased to support its Roman Festival. Brilliant weather ensured a massive public turnout. We loved the way the crowd interacted with our displays, and we really loved the cheers and all the applause. Our infantry displays always create a bit of magic. It was good to work with the Ermine Street Guard and the other groups present, and the chance to see the Melsonby Hoard was much appreciated.

23/05/2026

Massive crowds and brilliant weather at the Eboracum Roman Festival. Targets were destroyed and records were set. All on very little sleep.

22/05/2026

The sacred standards renewed, for a new generation.

Take a good look southern softies, last thing you'll ever see!

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