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Late Roman, Germanic and Romano-British Re-enactment

 

 

 

 

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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 4th and 5th 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.