1. Galea or helm. Usually brass/bronze such as the Coolus series or Auxiliary Type "B" has been the standard.
However, this school of thought is changing with recent archaeological finds of known Auxilia forts and fortlets. Simpler
Italic and Gallic Helms of the mid First Century such as the Gallic "A" and the Italic "B" are definitely acceptable. The
Auxiliary Type "C" is acceptable if one wants to do a Second Century impression though there is speculation if this helmet
truly existed. Currently Lonely Mountain Forge is the only known maker of this helm
2. Lorica Hamata or Roman Mail shirt sleeveless with or without doubler for First Century. Early Second Century
mail begins to see less use of the doubler and the appearance of sleeves a few inches above the elbow. No evidence exists
of dagged mail Hamata was in a traditional four in one ring pattern, with alternating rows of riveted rings and solid
stamped rings. Internal diameter of rings was as small as 4mm to as large as 10mm internal diameter; 5-6mm seems to have
been about the standard. Nearly all evidence points to Auxiliaries using lorica hamtata or lorica squamata as opposed to
the lorica segmentata of the Legions.
3. Gladius: Mainz, Fulham and Pompeii pattern Gladii are all appropriate for First Century Auxilia and into the begining
of the Second Century. A Hispaniensis gladius could still be in service during the First Century, especially if handed down
to a family member. Celtic and Germanic Cohorts would have not completely phased out Celtic Long Swords, and the Spatha would
also be appropriate; traditional ethnic of choice weapon for less Romanized units would be appropriate initialy. The Spatha
comes into greater use as time progresses in the Second and into the Third Century.
4. Clipeus Shield: A flat oval, as opposed to the square curved scutums of the legions. Only two Auxilia cohorts
are recorded as having used the scutum, of which II Italica is not one of them. The Clipeus can have a brass or leather rim/edging
or have the linen or canvas simply folded and glued over. Brass Edging was nailed into place with leather edging sewn on.
The umbo or shield boss can be of bronze, brass or iron. Traditionally the umbo was round, though a square umbo is also accurate.
5. Caligae: The traditional boot of the Roman Soldier. Enclosed hob nailed variations would be appropriate to
Cohorts stationed in colder and wetter climbs such as Britain.
6. Balteus: The same as the ones worn by the legions to include with the apron for the First and Second Century. Balteus
with out aprons may also have worn for foot soldiers, and definitely for cavalry.
7. Hasta or Spear and Javelins: Hasta tended to be of the more classical leaf shape design with blades ranging from
three inches up to ten inches. Lanceae or javelins had smaller heads and could be of leaf shape design, tri bladed like Roman
arrow heads, or pyramidal like a pila head (Sumner, 108, 1997) The average Auxilia could have two to three lanceae and perhaps
a hasta in addition to his gladius and pugio. The term dart in ancient texts is often accepted as javelin.
8. Tunic: Standard dark forest green or off white wool/linen tunic, with or with out sleeves is acceptable with the goal of
it being hand stitched, but not the rule. Tunic color is debatable at this time in the academic world, but for purposes of
standardization and to highlight differences in the other or greater half of the Roman Army to the public, we will use Dark
Forest Green or off white. We are phasing over to Dark Forest Green at this time in order to have some standardization in
the ISPA for those wishing to do an auxiliary impressions. In addition, off white and white tunics just become stained too
easily after only a couple of events even with a subarmalis worn underneath the armor. RIT Dark Forest Green Dye works well
to get the desired color, and sets very well when table salt is used as the mordant. Off White and white are still allowed,
but we are begining to phase them out.
