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	Late Roman, Germanic and Romano-British Re-enactment
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	Germanic/Migration Period		Late Roman Period	Research & Reconstruction
		Research & Reconstruction
One of the aims of Comitatus is to conduct research and reconstruction. By sheer necessity we must carry out quite intensive research to create our clothing, equipment and weaponry. The periods we cover are not well documented, either in historical records or archaeologically. For many, this is one of the great attractions of the Late Roman/Germanic era! A great many of the artefacts we use have been especially made, either for us by specialist craftsmen, or by our own members. Everyone is encouraged to explore the period through museum displays, historical narratives, modern text-books and period illustrations to reconstruct a suitable 'impression'. Where possible it is desirable for members to be able to point to part of their wardrobe or kit and refer to its historical inspiration. Good copies of historical orginials are a must! By recreating the past in this way, we learn a great deal about it. Rather than rely on the musings of academics, we can grasp hard facts. We can explore the past viscerally. We can answer questions. How long does an oil lamp burn? How far does a cheiroballista shoot? How long do hobnail boots last on the march? How fast can a loom be operated? What does Roman fish sauce taste like? How reliable is flint & tinder? Can you sew leather using a boar's bristle as a needle? How wide should a tunic be? This part of the Comitatus website is devoted to some of our reconstructions, in articles, discussions and in photographs. We are very serious about our work in this field and we have a growing reputation based on our authentic approach to the Late Roman and Germanic period. Click on the articles or photographs in the list below. They are stored as either PDF or JPG files.
Articles					Special Features
					Our Own Cavalry NEW!! Comitatus has worked with cavalry since its inception. Only in 2006 has it been able to create its own attached unit the Equites Taifali. Cross-Country Marching Why we experiment with cross-country marches, different loads, types of terrain and objectives. With a complete list of marches to-date. The Comitatus Ballista - 'Constantine' Commissioned for 2006, this iron-frame bolt-shooter is based on Late Roman finds and is an accurate full-scale replica. An exciting new addition to the Legio Praesidiensis. Conference Sponsorship Comitatus was a sponsor of the LATE ANTIQUE ARCHAEOLOGY 2007 Conference at the Ashmolean, March 10/11. This partnership acknowledged our commitment to authenticity and to experimental archaeology - as the articles on this page testify!
Reconstruction Archaeology NEW!! Our approach to archaeological reconstruction explained. Writing on the Wall NEW!! Reconstructing Roman scripts circa 400 AD Our Cavalry Research 2008 NEW!! What we do, how we do it - and why. Discussing horse breeds, weapon use from horseback, Late Roman saddle types and more … Cooking Fish An experiment, iron-age style, cooking fish in clay on an open fire. The Ultimate - The Wall Revisited Brooches & Belts - A reassessment Looking at regional styles in 4thC Britain Tunic Construction Dos and don'ts when making 4th century tunics. Beginner’s Guide to COMITATUS Everything you need to know! The Piercebridge Walk Studying the site, and an 8-mile river march. Looking the Part An article by John Conyard on dressing for the 4^th and 5^th century. Painting Tunics Creating acceptable Late Roman decorated tunics. The Soldier Shelter Paul Elliott’s guide to creating a cheap and simple marching shelter, as depicted in a 6thC manuscript, the Vienna Genesis. Roman Bridlington An article by J.Conyard considering some of the Roman finds in Bridlington. The location of Praesidium? See also the article titled: Where is the Fort Called Praesidium?. Combat in Comitatus Why we put on combat displays, what we do and how we do it. John Conyard discusses the merits of sharp weapons as well as maintaining a discipline in weapons practice. The article touches on every weapon type used by the group. Return to the Wall Comitatus attempts an 11 mile patrol along the most rugged section of Hadrian's Wall in October 2006. Who Am I? Creating an historical identity that has meaning, authenticity and a good name! In two parts, by Stephen Kenwright. Mars Triumphant - Late Roman Drill How Comitatus recreates Late Roman drill, put into context with drill from earlier and later periods. By J.Conyard. Comitatus Kit Guide A guide for members, covering drill commands, timelines, talking to the public, suitable clothing, types of textiles and more! Written in 2003, it is awaiting a rewrite. Text by J.Conyard, line drawings by S. Tumber.					Photos Vertical Loom Pole Lathe1 Pole Lathe2 Pole Lathe3 Irish Wolfhounds Dyeing Wool Tablet Weaving Basket Weaving Time Team Draco1 Time Team Draco2 Roman Cookery in Reconstructed Barracks Woodcarving Bread Oven Late Roman Shield Wall in Action! Thorsberg Trousers - Pattern Thorsberg Socks - Pattern
Casting Roman Sling Shot Creating Roman lead sling bullets using clay moulds, by P. Elliott
Where is the Fort Called Praesidium? Discussing the location of the fortress Praesidium, somewhere in Yorkshire, by P. Elliott
Climbing Scafell Pike Five Comitatus members climb Britain's highest mountain in light infantry kit, by P. Elliott
The Hadrian's Wall Walk A two day authentic camping & marching experiment along Hadrian's Wall in full kit, by P.Elliott The Moors Walk Three-man march across the North Yorkshire Moors from Goathland to the Cawthorn Marching Camps, with a complete three-day kit, rations and tent.
Cooking With a Clay Pot Advice and notes on this delicate art, from Lee and Sarah Steele.
Portraying the Legionary Historical background for members of the Legio Praesidiensis, by J. Conyard
Legionary Rations Short discussion on the rations carried by legionaries on the march by P. Elliott
Roman Bread Oven A quick look at a Roman bread oven experiment undertaken at Heron Corn Mill during the summer 2005. With photographs.
Map of Northern England in Roman Britain 400AD Based on archaeology, epigraphy, literature and some extrapolation on my part, this is a map of northern Britain (Britannia Secunda) in 400AD and includes roads, villas, forts, kilns, towns and an all-Roman naming convention. Designed by Paul Elliott.
Illustrated Roman Cookery Photographs of Roman dishes ready to eat. Very nice they are too (with a couple of exceptions!). Included with each photograph is a hyperlink to an online recipe.
Guidelines for the Use of Plumbatae A short account of one man's experience with the plumbata, the Late Roman throwing dart. These weapons are a distinct feature of Late Roman warfare, but can be tricky to use.