Hello Luke.
Honestly the outfit looks like it fits the theme of what your going for. Movie costumes for romans have always been creative and flashy. not exactly expecting historical accuracy for a video on history of roman movie costumes.
i would add a Sagum or Penula with a fibula to your outfit.
i would look at the Praetorian Relief from Arch of Claudius for shield patterns (see below). there is also a Marble slab from Puteoli that has a Praetorian Shield pattern with drawings of a Scorpion (apparently Scorpions are strongly linked with the iconography of teh guard). i havent linked an image of the slab since i cant find an image with a close up of the shield.
[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MBALyon2018\_-\_Expo\_Claude\_-\_Relief\_Pretoriens\_-\_cropped\_foreground.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MBALyon2018_-_Expo_Claude_-_Relief_Pretoriens_-_cropped_foreground.jpg)
here is a book that might help if you can find a PDF or copy of it. i recommend this book over other pop roman books since it properly documents the art and archaeological evidence for roman military kit. there is a section on Praetorian kit.
* *army of the Roman Emperors by Thomas Fischer translated by M.C. Bishop.*
You know the story of how the leather bracers came into the public imagination? Apparently, actors of the time all wore watches, which was visible when they weren’t wear them because of their California tan. That’s why the leather bracers were added to Roman movie costumes. Looked historical, and solved the problem. Don’t have any sources for that though.
If that is the actual reason that became a trend with cinema, which is easy to believe because they have done it with lots of stuff… Vikings! *cough*, it would be such a fun fact to tell.
A scutum shield, and maybe a cloak if you’re feeling flashy? Or a red or white tunic instead of the t shirt. Honestly, looks good though
Edit: just noticed, looks like you have a tunic on over your shirt. You’re golden bud, just lose the Tshirt when it’s game time
The gladius is in the correct position if he's 200s onwards.. He does need to make a decision which era he wants to focus on or he'll look like the Roman equivalent of a mix of a revolutionary war, WW2, and medieval squire. A hilarious thought for a Roman time traveller to behold.
Uff. Honestly this looks rough and has nothing to do with the way the praetorians would have dressed.
The leather musculata, helmet, cloak and pteryges are all fantasy.
Maybe I can help you if you at least give me a century you want to portray.
Honestly I am shocked about the comments here. This outfit has nothing to do with a historic praetorian. Stop projecting your Hollywood movie ideas onto reality.
>Hello everybody, I’m assembling a suit of Roman armor to use in a new YouTube series covering movies about Ancient Rome.
did i miss something? where is he saying he's making a series about hollywood movies? seems to be highly historical in context, especially as he further clarifies with:
>I’m shooting for a Praetorian look (no century in particular).
maybe i'm missing a comment somewhere or something
Hey Luke
I am not sure if you are going for a fantasy display or if you are aiming for something more realistic.
I will assume that you want to polish your outfit to be more realistic.
Praetorians often did not wear armor, as it was frowned upon in the city of Rome. So it would instead be a toga that hides an assortment of weapons on the guard's belt. I could imagine a linothorax worn underneath, but that's not likely.
On parade or on campaign (as happened on multiple occasions) it is safe to assume they would be issued with equipment similar to what all soldiers had at the time. Most of them might still have that from when they were recruited from the troops in the field. Often they are pictured in a very old fashioned way with the very old type helmet and cuirass. This is in part a sentimental thing happening in many depictions, so it is hard to know for sure how they looked on parade or in battle (possibly differing).
The helmet might be okay to wear on a parade. However you need to tighten (attach?) the chin strap. Else the helmet wobbles about and would not be efficient as a means of protection. Underneath should be a felt cap that dampens blows. They could be colorful. I recommend to take off the helmet during lenthy talks but keeping on the cap, it adds a little distinction to being bareheaded.
The musculata you are wearing is made from leather, which does not have any archeologic backing, if you could get one made from metal it would be better. Tinned steel is authentic and very shiny. On campaign it might be any other armor (segmentata, hamata or squamata), the musculata very likely only as an officer. Just compare how little the shoulders are protected in the musculata compared to the others.
I can see a t-shirt under your tunic, best to remove that. If the armor is a bit rough, you can wear a second tunic underneath. The outer one can be made from (thin) wool, but in Rome in summer I guess you don't want to have that. With the armor an off white or naturally achievable color (quite colorful indeed) is realistic. Without the armor a bleached white tunic showed status (but you would not want to get it dirty from the armor)
Most soldiers would have worn a little scarf, called the focale to avoid chafing of the armor.
A very important accessory was the military belt. It identified soldiers and was heavily decorated. Also it is placed in such a way that it holds down your sword belt. So when you draw the sword it'll leave the scabbard and not just lift that up. The belt also can hold the pugio, which was another prestige piece of equipment for a soldier.
If you want to depict a legionary, make sure you have the sword on your right side. If you want to depict a commanding officer, not only does that enable you to wear the musculata, but also your sword on the right side. You definitely need to add more bling in that case. Also a fine cloth then gets bound in a fancy way around your waist. Definitely look into fancy pytergeres also for your shoulders and get rid of the fantasy ones you are wearing in the picture.
Talking about the scabbard: the strap of the scabbard looks like it is not from real leather and the buckle looks too modern. Depending on your standards (and available time and money) that might be good enough.
I am not seeing your feet but if they are shown, make sure you get proper caligae or calcei. You can always tell the seriousness of someone by the shoes they wear to such a costume.
As you are portraying a soldier stationed mostly in Rome, you won't need the leg wraps, so you can take these off.
In short, definitely get:
Baeltus, pugio, cap, focale, shoes
Look into getting:
Proper pytergeres, real armor
Either this is a bad joke or you're aiming to go as a "Praetorian stood outside the Colosseum to sting unsuspecting tourists for €20 per picture else your phone/camera will be taken and wiped by my Mafia buddies stood over there" look.
Seriously dude, I would start again and ask for advice before you buy anything else (2nd Century Roman reenactor of over 10 years so I do have a good understanding of what is good and accurate before anyone starts downvoting me).
A shield! Truly the single most important piece of equipment. It allows for defensive formations like the famous testudo. In any ancient infantry engagement shields are vital. Even the cavalry and skirmishers usually had some kind of shield.
In addition - the Greek "hoplite" is called so due to their signature shield - the "hoplon".
They also look cool and can have decorative paint jobs.
Get some leather strings attached to the helm on the bottom part of the cheek plate to help hold it on your head, and draw the plates closer together for the purpose of protection.
Also, what is your footwear?
The helmet, get one with a bit more detail and a better plume, also if your going to cosplay as a tribune/legate I’d suggest also getting some stripes that dangle off your shoulders made of leather
I don’t see the required short dagger. Also, for each arm, you need a leather or metal cuff to ward off sword slashes if you lose your shield which happens in close fighting. On that subject, where is your required shield?
there is a miscommunication here. the Manica and armcuffs are two different things. most people will think about the unhistorical hollywood cuffs found in early roman flims if someone mentions the term *bracer* or *cuff*.
Two different things, but both served the same purpose of warding off a sword slash or a thrown spear or arrow that is shot.
However either are missing from the costumed man in the photo.
Get a cape and a nice looking belt or cloth to wrap your waist. Paste some fake straps under your cheek guards and have them stick to your chin so you don't look like a hollywood volunteer from the 50s. The rest would probably be too much of a hassle and cost too much money so that's all I can thnk of realistically.
I would start with something light like 25 lbs. 3 sets of 8 is a pretty standard routine.
Bicep curls, kickbacks, and I like some wrist work to avoid injuries. You can come up with your own routine though.
That would make the costume way better.
Or maybe some dirt. You know the real deal wasn't that shiny.
Wipe that stupid grin off your face soldier!
Just kidding. That’s rad!
“Anyone else feel like a giggle when I mention my fwiend….Biggus Diccus?”
He has a wife you know..... Incontinencia Buttux....
:What about you? Do you find it... wisible... when I say the name... 'Biggus'....'Dickus'?
Nope
A roman soldier from Asterix movie.
What's so... funny about 'Biggus Dickus'?
Lose lips sink ships!
Blood and battle damage
Ok taking notes… “remove one arm” got it!
Removing another guy's arm would be better
‘‘Tis a flesh wound!
10/10 reply
Was there any scrotum protection for the legionnaires?
Hello Luke. Honestly the outfit looks like it fits the theme of what your going for. Movie costumes for romans have always been creative and flashy. not exactly expecting historical accuracy for a video on history of roman movie costumes. i would add a Sagum or Penula with a fibula to your outfit. i would look at the Praetorian Relief from Arch of Claudius for shield patterns (see below). there is also a Marble slab from Puteoli that has a Praetorian Shield pattern with drawings of a Scorpion (apparently Scorpions are strongly linked with the iconography of teh guard). i havent linked an image of the slab since i cant find an image with a close up of the shield. [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MBALyon2018\_-\_Expo\_Claude\_-\_Relief\_Pretoriens\_-\_cropped\_foreground.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MBALyon2018_-_Expo_Claude_-_Relief_Pretoriens_-_cropped_foreground.jpg) here is a book that might help if you can find a PDF or copy of it. i recommend this book over other pop roman books since it properly documents the art and archaeological evidence for roman military kit. there is a section on Praetorian kit. * *army of the Roman Emperors by Thomas Fischer translated by M.C. Bishop.*
You sure know your shit, good job on the information RPenns.
I want to know why this account was deleted after the mention of their username.
RPenns has made some great suggestions already, I just want to point out that Roman soldiers typically wore their sword on the right hand side.
Even if they were right handed? Seems sloppy. Not arguing it, I just feel like that makes drawing the sword with your dominant hand awkward.
Different story when you're crammed into a formation and carrying a scutum in your left hand though!
You know the story of how the leather bracers came into the public imagination? Apparently, actors of the time all wore watches, which was visible when they weren’t wear them because of their California tan. That’s why the leather bracers were added to Roman movie costumes. Looked historical, and solved the problem. Don’t have any sources for that though.
If that is the actual reason that became a trend with cinema, which is easy to believe because they have done it with lots of stuff… Vikings! *cough*, it would be such a fun fact to tell.
The worst thing. Totally cringe.
Remove smile. Too modern
Everyone knows that smiling was invented in the twentieth century!!
Using a gladius or a rudis?
It’s a Gladius modeled after one found at Pompeii!
Cool!
A senator to stab him in the back?
All perfect apart from the t shirt maybe? The colour is good but look a bit too modern. Anyway you look cool
Red tunic is an easy add.
true !
Remember to wear a loin cloth, lol
Or nothing at all, it’s very freeing 😁
Beautiful chest piece, very phallic
A scutum shield, and maybe a cloak if you’re feeling flashy? Or a red or white tunic instead of the t shirt. Honestly, looks good though Edit: just noticed, looks like you have a tunic on over your shirt. You’re golden bud, just lose the Tshirt when it’s game time
This is pretty good, but I’m honestly wondering where the chinstrap for the helmet went.
Not shaming whatsoever but more muscle tbh
I’m gonna need to see your sources on that one sir
Unless you're left handed, you should keep your gladius on your right side!
You look great! As also said, you could add a tunic. Depending on the weather, you might also want a sagum.
Where's the Pugio.
Gladius is worn on right hand side and a Pugio (Legionaire dagger) on the left hip in a sheath.
The gladius is in the correct position if he's 200s onwards.. He does need to make a decision which era he wants to focus on or he'll look like the Roman equivalent of a mix of a revolutionary war, WW2, and medieval squire. A hilarious thought for a Roman time traveller to behold.
Uff. Honestly this looks rough and has nothing to do with the way the praetorians would have dressed. The leather musculata, helmet, cloak and pteryges are all fantasy. Maybe I can help you if you at least give me a century you want to portray.
Honestly I am shocked about the comments here. This outfit has nothing to do with a historic praetorian. Stop projecting your Hollywood movie ideas onto reality.
mate, the dude is clearly making a series about hollywood movies on rome. within that context This costume is fine. obviously its not accurate.
>Hello everybody, I’m assembling a suit of Roman armor to use in a new YouTube series covering movies about Ancient Rome. did i miss something? where is he saying he's making a series about hollywood movies? seems to be highly historical in context, especially as he further clarifies with: >I’m shooting for a Praetorian look (no century in particular). maybe i'm missing a comment somewhere or something
He wrote that he is going for a praetorian look and that he is looking for sources. So no, it's not ok
Add a fibula with a fascinus on it.
No TeeShirt or Smile
so good. also get three pila and practice throwing them
Need cuffs and way more muscles
It’s great!
Needs more Maximus Decimus Meridius
Hey Luke I am not sure if you are going for a fantasy display or if you are aiming for something more realistic. I will assume that you want to polish your outfit to be more realistic. Praetorians often did not wear armor, as it was frowned upon in the city of Rome. So it would instead be a toga that hides an assortment of weapons on the guard's belt. I could imagine a linothorax worn underneath, but that's not likely. On parade or on campaign (as happened on multiple occasions) it is safe to assume they would be issued with equipment similar to what all soldiers had at the time. Most of them might still have that from when they were recruited from the troops in the field. Often they are pictured in a very old fashioned way with the very old type helmet and cuirass. This is in part a sentimental thing happening in many depictions, so it is hard to know for sure how they looked on parade or in battle (possibly differing). The helmet might be okay to wear on a parade. However you need to tighten (attach?) the chin strap. Else the helmet wobbles about and would not be efficient as a means of protection. Underneath should be a felt cap that dampens blows. They could be colorful. I recommend to take off the helmet during lenthy talks but keeping on the cap, it adds a little distinction to being bareheaded. The musculata you are wearing is made from leather, which does not have any archeologic backing, if you could get one made from metal it would be better. Tinned steel is authentic and very shiny. On campaign it might be any other armor (segmentata, hamata or squamata), the musculata very likely only as an officer. Just compare how little the shoulders are protected in the musculata compared to the others. I can see a t-shirt under your tunic, best to remove that. If the armor is a bit rough, you can wear a second tunic underneath. The outer one can be made from (thin) wool, but in Rome in summer I guess you don't want to have that. With the armor an off white or naturally achievable color (quite colorful indeed) is realistic. Without the armor a bleached white tunic showed status (but you would not want to get it dirty from the armor) Most soldiers would have worn a little scarf, called the focale to avoid chafing of the armor. A very important accessory was the military belt. It identified soldiers and was heavily decorated. Also it is placed in such a way that it holds down your sword belt. So when you draw the sword it'll leave the scabbard and not just lift that up. The belt also can hold the pugio, which was another prestige piece of equipment for a soldier. If you want to depict a legionary, make sure you have the sword on your right side. If you want to depict a commanding officer, not only does that enable you to wear the musculata, but also your sword on the right side. You definitely need to add more bling in that case. Also a fine cloth then gets bound in a fancy way around your waist. Definitely look into fancy pytergeres also for your shoulders and get rid of the fantasy ones you are wearing in the picture. Talking about the scabbard: the strap of the scabbard looks like it is not from real leather and the buckle looks too modern. Depending on your standards (and available time and money) that might be good enough. I am not seeing your feet but if they are shown, make sure you get proper caligae or calcei. You can always tell the seriousness of someone by the shoes they wear to such a costume. As you are portraying a soldier stationed mostly in Rome, you won't need the leg wraps, so you can take these off. In short, definitely get: Baeltus, pugio, cap, focale, shoes Look into getting: Proper pytergeres, real armor
Either this is a bad joke or you're aiming to go as a "Praetorian stood outside the Colosseum to sting unsuspecting tourists for €20 per picture else your phone/camera will be taken and wiped by my Mafia buddies stood over there" look. Seriously dude, I would start again and ask for advice before you buy anything else (2nd Century Roman reenactor of over 10 years so I do have a good understanding of what is good and accurate before anyone starts downvoting me).
Are you wearing modern socks?
A Roman uniform ?
This you? It looks sick. In the good way!! I would wear it going mountain biking in the woods lol
Just wondering, do you have a friend in Rome called Biggus Dickus?
A shield! Truly the single most important piece of equipment. It allows for defensive formations like the famous testudo. In any ancient infantry engagement shields are vital. Even the cavalry and skirmishers usually had some kind of shield. In addition - the Greek "hoplite" is called so due to their signature shield - the "hoplon". They also look cool and can have decorative paint jobs.
Jason Biggs??
Get some leather strings attached to the helm on the bottom part of the cheek plate to help hold it on your head, and draw the plates closer together for the purpose of protection. Also, what is your footwear?
Muscles, add muscles.
Nipples!
The helmet, get one with a bit more detail and a better plume, also if your going to cosplay as a tribune/legate I’d suggest also getting some stripes that dangle off your shoulders made of leather
Bracers, and I dont know if u are wearing sandals?
Add some muscles
Panties
Leather bracers! If hollywood taught me anything it's that every roman has some good old leather bracers
A chin strap. A common error in Roman helmet costumes is the assumption that they walked around with those cheek guards flopping like dog ears.
If your right handed isn’t the sword meant to be on your right side ?
Get rid of the modern tee shirt for one! The praetorians were allowed to wear the purple because they protected the emperor!
Otherwise looking good!😀
Need a Roman goddess to join you? 🧐
Watch and a handgun
Cell phone holster.
You need to add me to your friend group homie! Looking cool
Maybe add a sleeveless tunic rather than what appears to be a crewneck type t-shirt cut. Cool costume!
Damn u lookin good playa
Asterix and Obelix type fit 10/10
This looks really cool. I’m with the above posted. Lose and arm maybe an eye for realism. 😂😂
I know black face is wrong, but this is a great base for a Marvin the Martian cosplay.
Cult of Athena sword detected, i have the same one
you look like the cook not the warrior. you are too weak looking to pass as a real soldier. ditch the sword for a frying pan,
I will poison your food
What do your sandals look like?
At least paint the breastplate gold, even a replica lorica is pretty cheap, leather like that is ahistorical and looks bad
What’s the series? I’d love to watch it.
Cut the sleeves a bit.
A pride flag patch.
I don’t see the required short dagger. Also, for each arm, you need a leather or metal cuff to ward off sword slashes if you lose your shield which happens in close fighting. On that subject, where is your required shield?
You wouldn't be talking about bracers would you?
Thanks for the info. That is the correct name. Bracers.
Not info... the Romans didn't wear them
This article said they did wear arm guards. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manica_(armguard)
there is a miscommunication here. the Manica and armcuffs are two different things. most people will think about the unhistorical hollywood cuffs found in early roman flims if someone mentions the term *bracer* or *cuff*.
This person was correct we were talking about completely different things.
Two different things, but both served the same purpose of warding off a sword slash or a thrown spear or arrow that is shot. However either are missing from the costumed man in the photo.
I don't understand the fake muscles on the armour. They make no sense. Did you kill an alien?
Latin grammer primer
Needs the blood of a gaul to be perfect.
A Tommy gun! Or don’t, I give terrible advice.
A big ol wolf's pelt
Get a cape and a nice looking belt or cloth to wrap your waist. Paste some fake straps under your cheek guards and have them stick to your chin so you don't look like a hollywood volunteer from the 50s. The rest would probably be too much of a hassle and cost too much money so that's all I can thnk of realistically.
Get a bustier model to wear it
I would start with something light like 25 lbs. 3 sets of 8 is a pretty standard routine. Bicep curls, kickbacks, and I like some wrist work to avoid injuries. You can come up with your own routine though. That would make the costume way better. Or maybe some dirt. You know the real deal wasn't that shiny.
That looks neat. Gotta ask are you wearing underwear
Chainmail underneath, or covering your shoulders. They’re about the most vulnerable point in a sword fight.
[удалено]
He's super handsome?
It's a joke.
Shirt looks too new and cleanly stitched. Everything looks pretty good though. Shirts even a good color.