Roman Military Clothing (2): AD 200–400 (Men-at-Arms)

The armour and weapons of the Roman army have long been the subject of intense research and speculation. While much has been published on their arms and armour, however, the actual clothing of Imperial soldiers has largely been overlooked. In this second part of a rigorous study of the literary, sculptural, pictorial and archaeological evidence, the specialist author-artist examines the clues which enable us to attempt reconstructions of items worn by officers and men all over the empire during the two centuries between the reign of Septimius Severus and the twilight years of Stilicho. Although the Arch of Severus, which was dedicated in AD 203, still shows Roman soldiers wearing a style of tunic apparently traditional during the late Republic and early Empire, the 3rd century itself saw the widespread introduction of long-sleeved tunics into mainstream fashion. Uses literary, sculptural, pictorial, and archaeological evidence to explore the actual clothing worn by Imperial soldiers, including cloaks, tunics, boots, and hats Uses literary, sculptural, pictorial, and archaeological evidence to explore the actual clothing worn by Roman soldiers, including cloaks, tunics, boots, and hats.