Depictions of the Roman Army in film

[Artimi]

Imperium - Legio I Italica

 

this definitely is not Hollywood but how true would it be?

 

Also I felt quite sad watching it, not sure if it was the music or faces or everything.

[Artimi]

another film

 

Battle of Cannae

 

Not sure if some else has posted these.

[caldrail]

Common mistakes to watch for -

 

1 - Wearing helmets on tyhe march. In marching order with all personal goods carried on their shoulders, the legionaries did not wear helmets. That might soubnd odd to modern ears, but realise that the Romans did not assume they were going to be ambushed. After all, they had a cavalry screen performing reconnaisance where-ever possible and relied on intelligence from deserters or local inhabitants to know where the enemy was. It generally worked apart from some obvious cases.

 

2 - Marching to the sound of drums - The Romans did not use drums at all, never mind in a military capacity. Centurions used 'pace stick' to maintain step although there's some doubt that route marching was conducted in a parade ground fashion.

 

3 - Attic helmets - Those greek inspired attic style helmets were only employed for ceremonial purposes, thus civilian artists portrayed Roman soldiers on reliefs with them. The odd general or two might have indulged in an attic helmet for show but certainly centurions never wore them on duty.

[Artimi]

Thanks,

I am reading Maty's book Legionairy as well.

 

My problem is details, and I blame that on age (a nice excuse)