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Bags At least two patterns of large bag are shown on the column, alongside the smaller net bag. The first is a rectangular bag with cross bracing across its face that is linked by rings at the upper corners and centre. A handle is sometimes depicted on the top of the bag, with a longer strap linking it to the pole attached to the upper rings. Whilst this item has been copied by many re-enactors, it is only based on what seems to be shown on Trajan’s Column, and not directly on any original fragments from the ground. There is therefore an inherent question as to the accuracy of such reproductions. The cross bracing and rings need not necessarily be attached directly to the bag, and could be acting as external compression straps. We cannot even be sure as to what material the sculptor was portraying; indeed it may not necessarily be leather.* Additionally, the type of central ring suggested by Fuentes (1991) to be used on Roman period bags is actually a common form of belt ring, most examples of which date to the late Iron Age. Given the uncertainties surrounding this bag pattern, a growing amount of society members are instead electing to copy finds of actual bags excavated from archaeological sites. Although leather might not normally be expected to survive 2000 years in normal conditions; there are several key sites in which sealed anaerobic soil conditions have enabled the survival of Roman leatherwork, such as at Bar Hill on the Antonine Wall, Vindolanda on Hadrian’s Wall, Windisch in Switzerland, and from the shipwreck at Commachio in Italy. Research is ongoing to find further original patterns on which to base our leather bags. The second main bag on the marching pack is distinct from the first in that it lacks any visible cross bracing and rings, and is altogether less rectangular in shape. Traditionally, modern interpretations have portrayed this bag as a simple rectangular, almost pillowcase shaped item. How such an item would be suspended from the pack is not altogether clear, and many re-enactors have favoured fixing leather tabs on the upper two corners, although it should be noted that these create a point of tension which can be torn away on less sturdy reconstructions. |
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A reconstruction of the leather bag found in the shipwreck at Commachio, Italy. |
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A reinforced bag on Trajan’s Column |
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* Roman period linen bags have been identified in Egypt (Adams & Crowfoot, 2001) |