Early Imperial legionaries compared to Middle Imperial legionaries - posted by Gerard Lelieveld, 14 November 2018

So question, how much overlap is there with early imperial roman minis that you can get away with into a middle imperial list? looks like legionnaire rectangle shields ok but do you have to add trousers? It appears Aux have changed to unarmoured?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/824840264342234/permalink/1082664345226490/

Dirk Heinsius I 've pondered the same question. It really depends on where on the Middle Imperial you're looking

Alastair Donald Trouser wearing scum. Al the Spartan.


Tilman Dang The thing we know for sure is that the economics and procedures dictated that stuff in good nick was used until it almost fell apart and no "new" issue stuff was adopted universally. The same happened later in smaller and better documented armies of the age of reason, Wellingtons times until today. The armor and weapons could be used a long time if well maintained in peacetime. otoh after action you need a lot of replacements.... At times also old legionary equipment was passed on to new auxilia units and the Legions got the new stuff (when chain mail was exchanged with lorica segmentata frex). Garments would obviously wear out faster (other than with Alistair who wears his nickers for a 100 years I understand as they get better aired with no pants). As long as you dont stretch weapons and armor over 100 years longer than the ospreys say I would say its ok. Trousers would also be a regional feature I guess, exchanged faster in the north and west than in the east and south in tune with the regional civilian preferences.

Andrew Bennetts Hi Gerard, to answer this really requires an essay :-)

Andrew Bennetts Basically, the list splits between EIR, MIR, LIR etc are somewhat arbitrary. The Imperial Roman army was continually evolving over 500+ years. An Augustan legionary in 25BC looked quite different to a Trajanic legionary of 100AD who in turn was quite different to a Severan legionary of 200AD. I think the real question is what date are the figures you have representing? The classic 'Early Imperial Roman' look that most manufacturers do is based on Trajan's column, so 100AD. A purist would say these are not suitable for MIR. But in the end its a game of toy soldiers so you have to decide for yourself how important it is for your figures to look strictly accurate for the period.

Gerard Lelieveld Cheers all! I'm aiming for about 242AD, I think these are too early? I could paint trousers on them, be like spandex though lol, or early active wear

Andrew Bennetts Yep, he's very much late 1st century, early 2nd


Gerard Lelieveld I might be able to get away with these

Andrew Bennetts This guy would be 190's I'd say? Long sleeve tunics and full length trousers would be well established by the 240's

Gerard Lelieveld but seems more like these, guy in back is similar but guy in front has scale

Andrew Bennetts Yes, these guys would be fine for the early part of the list, although 242 would be pushing it, early 200's would be my pick

Gerard Lelieveld Andrew Bennetts any good suppliers of this style?

Andrew Bennetts Hi Gerard, I think Aventine would be your best bet. Their EIR range is actually quite late and covers the 190-220 period which sounds like where you want to be. I'd aim for legionaries with the Italic H helmets. The Imperial Gallic helmets are really for the earlier period. Their mounted look good and I'd say their Auxiliary infantry, while generic, are OK for the late period. However you'd have to look elsewhere for unarmoured auxiliaries. If you want to go later than the 220's, then you really need long sleeved tunics and full length trousers rather than knee breeches. The best range is probably A&A although their stuff is really 250's onwards.

Gerard Lelieveld Al note trousers

Alastair Donald Gag. Where’s the air circulation? Imagine the festering sores! And no beards! Barbos indeed!