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Websites |
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There are hundreds, if
not thousands, of websites on the web devoted to some aspect of Roman or
Saxon life and culture. It would be folly to list them all. Instead, this list
of weblinks is focussed at providing useful and solid advice or help to Late
Roman re-enactors in Britain (and members of Comitatus specifically). Answers
to questions such as 'where do I get a spear?', 'what do I call myself?',
'Are there any statues or mosaics I can look at for research?' may be found
here. Please remember that the list is orientated towards Late Roman and
Early Saxon culture. |
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Camp was soon broken
and the Comitatus members began a 12 mile march along the highest stretch of
the Wall. |
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History/Archaeology |
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Late
Roman Belt Buckles in Britain Welcome to
one of the leading locations for research into late Roman and post Roman
British buckles. We want to understand how different buckle styles and groups
relate and what they can tell us about a period of enormous historical
significance. Great Resource! This
fantastic Roman city has vieled a huge array of evidence for the 2nd &
3rd centuries. This website documents some of them. A great and diverse page
of AS weblinks compiled by the Late Roman unit names
and shield patterns taken from the Notitia Dignitatum, the "List of
Offices" or the "Register of Dignitaries" showing units in the
Roman army as it existed at the start of the 5th century AD. A great overview of history
in this period, from the 4th century through to the 5th and 6th centuries. High quality photographs
of the Arch of Constantine, useful as a guide to legionary equipment and
activities in the early 4th century. Good photographs of this
famous mosaic from the Piazza Armerina villa. A good image database of
Roman objects, collected from various museums. Glass, shoes, daggers, tools
... lots of things. Decadence,
Rome and Romania, the Emperors Who Weren't, and Other Reflections on Roman
History A site absolutely filled
with maps, diagrams, family trees and more. It looks at the end of the Roman
Empire, don't be put off by the strange site title! A fact filled site,
utterly comprehensive and an incredible resource for Romano-British
geography. Site by site analyses are provided, as well as funky overlay maps.
Also includes the Notitia Dignitatum (as it relates to Britain), the Ravenna
Cosmography, Ptolemy's Geography and the Antonine Iternerary. A fabulous resource for
anyone interested Late Roman Britain and the Early Migration period in
Britain. Archaeology and myth are unravelled, compiled, listed and examined
in loving detail. Just look at those maps! Those king lists! Very impressive.
Roman
Military Sites in Britain Sites are included if
there is evidence either from archaeology, aerial photography or from written
sources. In many cases no remains are now visible and the visual evidence is
often aerial photographs or objects in local museums. A very comprehensive
and impressive gazeteer. Check out this link for a massive selection of
historical texts, arranged by general subject, Romans, Fall of the Empire,
Byzantium, Early Germans etc. Incredibly comprehensive. Robert Veramaat's extensive Dark Age website focussing
on Britain during the rule of Vortigern, tyrant of Britain in the dark
shadowed days before the rise of Arthur. A goldmine of texts, links and
evidence. A stunning online
searchable catalogue of Coptic textiles: Choose the Category
'Clothing' |
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Late Roman & Saxon Re-enactment Groups |
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A Spanish group which recreates several eras of Roman history –
including the Late period. The BATAVI are a small,
friendly group based in Oxfordshire, UK, who re-enact military and civilian
life in the 4th to 6th centuries A.D. Their
primary purpose is to bring the past to life and to shed a little light into
part of the period of British history that is still sometimes referred to as
‘The Dark Ages’. Their ‘core’ period of interest covers the years 410-577AD,
from the end of Roman rule in Britain to the Battle of Dyrham. Legio II Herculiani Spanish/Catalan group
which recreates life in the 4thC legions. Well developed web site
for the Dutch Late Roman re-enactment society, Fectio. They focus on the Late
Roman military during the 4th to 5th century, especially in the Lower German
and British provinces. Click on the Union jack for the English version of the
site. Extensive photo galleries, descriptions of archaeological sites,
articles and a comprehensive bibliography. A French late Roman
re-enactment group. Britannia is a British
group specialising in the post-Roman period with all its tribal variation,
but it also recreates life in a Late Roman legion, as well as the bloody
sport of the gladiator. Polish/German
group which specialises in the post-Roman Merovingians, as well as the
Germanic tribes of the Late Roman era (Goths, Alamanni, etc.). Several
web pages written by one of Comitatus' members. With articles and
photographs. A
re-enactment online journal written by a new Comitatus member, with lots of
great photos Combrogi recreate the society of
Britain during the period between the Roman withdrawal A
French re-enactment group that recreates gladiatorial fights, as well as
portraying life in Brittany during the Late Roman period. Based
around Burgh Castle (a Saxon Shore Fort) in Norfolk, this group re-enacts
life in Britain from early Saxon times to Hastings. Their primary era, however,
is the Arthurian Age. Lovely website! And they are lucky enough to meet up at
Burgh Castle every fortnight. An
Italian group that recreates the life of Lombard warriors and civillians in
the post-Roman period. A French re-enactment
group that portrays life and war in 10th century France. The
aim of Jorvik Afloat is build a faithful replica Viking Longship or 'Drakkar'
in York. The aim is to use the Longship for many purposes including,
competing, money raising for good causes, corporate events, entertainment and
not least for education. |
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Roman Re-enactment Groups (Other Roman
Periods, Select) Professional and long
standing early imperial group, based in the UK Gladiatorial combat and
life outside the arena - this group recreates both in the north-east of
England. |
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Re-enactment Suppliers/Advice/Related
Sites |
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Traders of Viking,
Anglo-Saxon, Celtic and Mediæval metalwork. German craftsman making some wonderful shield bosses at very good
prices, for this period. Claire Chamberlain
formerly of Stable Stars now owns a yard where you can learn, practice, and
hire horses for displays. The yard has an all weather school of good size,
and a selection of horses. Claire has no pre-conceived notions but will
work with you to develop your own ideas. Our fully trained horse can be hired
for shows and our horse box means we can travel anywhere throughout the UK. Mainly the classical
three-part name, but useful nontheless. A Late Roman may have just a single
name, and in Britannia, that may just have easily been Celtic or Germanic. A wonderful-looking
supplier of natural materials, from horn to beeswax, leather to hemp. Swords, blades, axes and
spearheads. Well established and well respected. The UK's main importer
of Deepeeka arms and armour. Be careful here, Battle Orders sells lots of
theatrical weaponry and armour as well as some good re-enactment gear. Do
your research or ask around before you order from Battle Orders. An extremely useful re-enactment site that provides detailed clothing and equipment information for the Saxon period. Recommended. Saddler who supplies
leather water bottles for less than £30, Roman satchels (loculus) and bedding
rolls. An expensive but high
quality supplier of Viking and Germanic gear. Many items are suitable for use
with the Late Roman period, too. If, unlike me, you can
progress beyond the simple running stitch ... The
Viking Shield From Archaeology Make your Saxon shields
with confidence using this detailed information. Fabulous Roman pottery,
with international shipping. I've never ordered anything from this supplier,
but the stuff sure looks good! Brigantia -
How To Make Your Own Clothing An iron-age group, with
a great page on making tunics, sandals and bracae. A British-based
bronze-caster. nodge.nolan @
tiscali.co.uk. Highly recommended! E-mail him with your requests for 3rd
or 4thC belt parts, he knows what he's talking about and has a good knowledge
of museum finds and types. Great to work with and
great value for money! Dennis is a specialist Saxon blacksmith, and is able
to make all kinds of Saxon, Viking and Roman tools to order. A talented man
who lives in Sheffield. Ray Moseley, PO Box
27672, Albuquerque, NM 87125. First century cast buckles, pugio frogs,
and plates, plus hamata hooks and studded satchel rings. Also fabulous
4th century belt fittings and brooches. Roman
Cookery - Romans-In-Britain Website An extensive article,
followed by a huge list or Roman dishes to try out. How To Make A Late
Roman Shield FECTIO's article on
making a flat plywood Late Roman shield. Good advice. One of Britain's best
online leather suppliers, with hides, tools, accessories, books. They provide
a great service, too. An interesting site,
useful for clothing research. Another very useful site
– great tunic information! A great source of tent
canvas in the UK, used by several members of Comitatus without problems. For
good quality canvas look for Cotton Canvas 9.5 or 12 oz in weight. Easily followed diagrams
and discussion of ancient sewing techniques. |
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Discussion & Exploration The place to discuss
aspects of Roman military archaeology, history, literature and reconstruction
and re-enactment. Lurk or talk. Lots to learn and great ideas shared from
across the globe. The one-stop site for
any visit to Hadrian's Wall, detailing the Wall, camp sites, local towns,
attractions and so forth. Comitatus have spent a great deal of time at this
monument to Roman engineering. This website aims to
cover the Wall's history and its forts, and document some of the Roman
activity in the area. Historic UK |
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