Castra Romana Pompeii

After Action Report

72 Re-enactors met on the field in Mobile, Alabama for the Castra Romana-Pompeii Event. Of those about 37 were Roman Soldiers. The rest were either Barbarians, Gladiators, or Civilians.

We arrived late Thursday afternoon to find the field soaked!  According to radar the rain was gone, so we made the decision to pitch camp. The weather across the country was HORRIBLE, and we lostsome folks who were scheduled to attend for that very reason, but forthose who made it thru the snow, the event was one to be remembered!

Friday morning dawned… in the shade… with wind… lots of wind… In the spirit of true romans we "created" a new and better entrance for the vendors, tended fires, and began working out the camp schedules.  Guards were posted, waivers signed, and set-up was completed. It was just plain COLD! Dan Peterson arrived and supplied anything we did not have, including leather tents. Leg V arrived with there newly
made leather tent and impressed us all! Friday night we were honored with an Invitation from the Condi Cavaliers to lead off in the Mardi Gras Parade (the longest 3 miles in history). 18 Soldiers, 1 Centurion, 1 Senator with toga problems, 8 civilians, and 4 gladiators set off on the trek. Who will ever forget the forces of
Rome marching thru the streets of downtown Mobile to the tune of "When the Saints go Marching in" (now the official marching song of Leg VI). Obviously these people had not dealt with Romans before! We were welcomed by all, and rarely have I heard so much interest in the legs of the Roman Army… Eventually the parade ended, the Centurion was not fragged on the way back to camp, and we all collapsed for a well earned night's rest.

Saturday started off sunny and warm… fifteen minutes later it got cloudy and cold. Fortunately the wind died down considerably! Over 2000 folks came thru the camp that day, and were treated to roman foods, gladiatorial games, lectures, roman Army drills and ceremonies, and much more. Thanks to Caius Fabius, who literally talked himself nearly to death! The museum staff was impressed by how much knowledge individuals had to give! Even during our down times, crowds of people could be found learning to make fire the ancient way, asking general questions, taking about 2 million photos, and so much more! It was apparent to the museum staff that each of us was an educator, not just armor dummies. Dan Peterson gave a lecture on the Armor of Rome that I missed (I was dragged into Editing the games because the Legate was off having Hot Barbarian Bean Juice with a Barbarian Princess...) One small related incident should also be noted. The Eagle of the Sixth was stolen by some Barbarians, and rapidly recovered. The barbarians were of course, crucified immediately (those who were not slaughtered by the over zealous searches of the men of the Sixth). The guard was decimated.  Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of a legionary complicit in the Barbarian actions. He was not yet crucified because the information he brought us implicated another trusted Soldier of Rome.  This information was relayed to Caesar, who immediately recalled our Legate to answer charges. The Tribune of the camp assumed command. The Eagle guard was doubled. A second incident of note was Centurio Petersonis' beloved dog, Yukonis, relieved himself on the helmet of an unwary soldier who had not properly stored his
gear. Let this be a lesson to all soldiers that the army provides tents not for you, but to protect your valuable gear. Laudes to Yukonis for setting an example! The afternoon pay formation ended with a monetary award to the young legionary who recovered the Eagle.

The Pompeii Exhibit was incredible. Rarely have museums seen so many people on the floor looking under tables and beds to see how they were made. So much art! Every little piece of metal was beautiful! And we have got to get some terra cotta stoves! The body casts simply made you tear up. The agony and pain are still evident, and can be felt in any century! We were given the run of the exhibit hall for the better part of three hours, and we used it to its fullest extent. What a great experience. Some also chose to catch yet another Mardi Gras parade outside the museum before dinner, and many "Moon Pie" Bucellatum were caught.

Saturday evening arrived and we were treated to a most awesome feast! Since I cannot do justice to the fine fare, I will not even attempt to name it all. EXCELLENT. This was followed by an exhausted crash of all participants! A hearty thanks to our most Excellent Chef and her Barbarian assistants!

Sunday morning started with a very Successful RAT breakfast. I think the count was 31 or 32, Caius Fabius has the total. We raised a toast to the men of the Sixth that are currently deployed in Iraq, as well as their brothers and sisters, and enjoyed an excellent meal at the "Spot of Tea" (highly recommended!). We returned to camp expecting the typical Sunday morning lull, only to be visited by nearly 700 more could. The gladiators had some excellent bouts, and helped tremendously. A Special thanks to Dave Willis for serving as the Lanista, and adding great fun and jocularity to the event.

The vendors all seemed to be pleased, and if I missed shaking anyone's hand, my apologies… I was kind of going nuts!

Camp broke between 1 and 2 and we were offsite by 5. On the whole an excellent encampment!

The Museum staff went above and beyond! Breakfast and coffee every morning, sandwiches and soups for lunch, a warm spot to sleep, security onsite, and so very accommodating! Eleanor and Debra, thanks for all your help. Ms. Eleanor, best wishes on your retirement, I am thrilled to have helped you leave with a bang! To the entire staff of the Exploreum, all our thanks for taking the time to treat us like guest educators. It was a great experience for all. As the organizer, I will tell you all that the answer from these folks was never "No", but was always "we'll take care of it".  I actually got to sleep well most nights, as the problems were already handled.

Everyone followed the two rules I asked them to. They all brought a noble attitude, and we all left as friends. This alone is a great accomplishment. I have mentioned a few names here and there, but my heartfelt thanks goes out to each and every person who attended.  Without you, none of this would have happened! A special thanks is also given out to the men of Legio VI and XI, who helped set up camp, and take it down. I amazes me the way you gents follow my orders…even when they are not fun.

I will leave you all with one final thought: A Centurion with no good legionaries under him is just an idiot in a feathered hat! Thanks for not letting me be an idiot!

Justus Rustius Longinus
Rusty Myers