Imperial Roman Extra Heavy Infantry
Dated: June 11, 2005.
Test shots painted by Mr. Roland Kupski of Germany.
Mr. Kupski's notes:
Here you see Legioneries of the Legio II Trajana and the Legio XXX Ulpia Trajana. They are wearing special armguards and mail shirts. But unless wearing mail, they are not auxiliaries. The lorica hamata and squamata are giving eventually more protection against the dacian Falx, the double-handed long sword. On www.larp.com/legioxx/manica.html you can find more information.
The segmented metal armguard that is commonly seen on depictions of gladiators was also used by some legionaries, at least occasionally. It is clearly shown on the Adamklissi Monument, which shows scenes of Trajan's campaigns against the Dacians, and it also appears on a couple other reliefs of legionary equipment. It is possible that armguards were issued to at least some legionaries during the Dacian campaigns to protect them specifically against the Dacian falx, a 2-handed weapon with a curved blade like a pruning hook. It was apparently a very devastating weapon, able to go through or around the scutum, and may have inspired the army to issue more limb protection to the troops. (The Adamklissi monument also shows greaves on a number of men.) However, finds and depictions from other areas suggest that use of the manica was not unique to the Dacian campaigns, though there is likewise little to suggest that it was issued to all or even most legionaries.
The shield pattern are created with Coral draw, so you can get them to printout as *.pdf or *.cdr file (in better qualitiy). Send me an email for request.
Webmaster's notes:
For those days when regular armor is just not good enough.
Helmets are reinforced with extra cross braces over the top. Neck flaps are bigger and offer more protection.
Armguards (as above).
Armor. Three types are worn by our figures, chain mail, scale mail and lorica segmentata (documented by historical sources). Extra pteruges are worn by some.
Greaves are strap ons rather than snap ons.
Extra armor not limited to Dacian campaigns (as noted above).
Front and back pictures
Legio II Trajana Pilum.
Legio Ulpia Trajana Attack
Legio Ulpia Trajana schwert und pilum
Legio II Trajana Pilum
Fighting with falxmen.
Many thanks to Mr. Kupski.
