The Archaeology of War in Late Antiquity

The 2007 Conference in the Late Antique Archaeology series

Organised by Luke Lavan, and held at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

On Saturday/Sunday 10^th/11^th March 2007

Comitatus is extremely proud to say that it is one of the three sponsors of the Late Antique Archaeology conference. In addition, the chairman of Comitatus is currently preparing a paper for presentation to the conference.

From its inception, Comitatus has prided itself in holding authenticity up as both an objective to be reached, and as a principle to which it adheres. True authenticity is extremely difficult to attain, yet Comitatus members conduct extensive (sometimes exhaustive!) research when designing, commissioning or crafting new artefacts for display to the public. Everything from tunic decorations to drill formations, saddle designs to the shape of belt-ends, are studied in depth. Of course the limitations of material availability, and sometimes of modern craftsmanship, means that we can fall short of the mark. Yet the commitment of Comitatus members to achieving an unrivalled level of authenticity in kit, clothing and drill is unwavering.

Archaeology provides Comitiatus members with their main source of information. Newly published information is quickly disseminated and digested. The published works of archaeologists provide us with our 'kit-guide'.

It is for this reason that Comitatus justifiably describes itself as an experimental archaeology group. There is no 'battle re-enactment', only training exercises. Our Late Roman Hippica Gymnasia is a spectacular and exciting affair with particular attention to historical detail!

By sponsoring the Late Antique Archaeology conference in 2007, Comitatus is stressing its commitment to authenticity, to experimental archaeology and to the promotion of the Late Antique era amongst the general public.

If we had a motto, it could easily be: "Banish Hollywoodisms!!"

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