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The Mule of a Soldier An excellent study was made on Roman marching order by Nick Fuentes in his article, “The Mule of a Soldier” (1991). The study comprehensively examined each item on Josephus’ kit list, comparing literary and archaeological evidence with the images on Trajan’s column. However, the article was published in 1991, and we have now additional published evidence on which we can base our reconstructions, together with fresh discussion of the various items portrayed on Trajan’s Column. On a recent visit to the Museo della Civiltà Romana, where plaster cast panels of Trajan’s Column are easily accessible, we were able to see details of the sculpted marching pack in much greater detail.* In this article we discuss various elements of the marching pack, and how this relates to the society’s reconstructions. Simple modern terminology will be used to describe the various elements of the pack, as opposed to using Latin to describe items. Many terms used by ancient authors have multiple meanings, and different authors use different Latin words! For example, the carrying pole is variously described as a furca or aerumnula, the pack as a sarcina or impedimenta. Such terminology is a study all by itself, so will be avoided for the sake of clarity and brevity. The carrying pole Fuentes interpreted the pole from which the equipment was slung on Trajan’s Column as a “T” or cross shape, with the horizontal element being a wooden cross bar supporting the slung kit. This model has been adopted by the vast majority of modern interpretations, both in archaeological illustrations and reenactment/living history. However, this design was refuted by Steve Button, a member of our group, who in circa 2006, produced a variant without a cross bar. Steve’s argument was that the notional cross bar was instead simply lashing which supported the bags. Although some members were initially sceptic, closer examination of the column seems to support Steve’s theory. Practical testing has demonstrated that while a cross bar can be used comfortably, it is ultimately unnecessary and the kit can be slung neatly from a single pole. The society has now largely abandoned the cruciform pole construction in favour of a Steve’s design. |
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2b: Leg II member with revised marching pack |
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Leg II member with old style marching pack |
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*This is currently the best way of viewing the Column, which is now difficult to view in situ, due to it's height and deterioration since the casts were taken |