The legion's vexillum is now done. Well, for the most part. I will probably be tweaking and improving it here and there but, essentially, this is it! A fine wool standard, hand-sewn and painted, on a cross bar attached to a spear about six and a half feet tall. It should be an attractive rallying point for Thirteenth legionaries in events to come. I was hoping to get it done for our Ancients Alive event on September 14th and it looks like that goal was easily reached. A rare thing for a project to go so smoothly!
K. Qt. Etruscus-- Legio XIII is still rather small, but I'm glad to see that the unit is growing bit by bit. One of the thoughts I had was to create an identifying standard for the legion. The vexillum, or standard, was a square or rectangular cloth banner used to identify and rally the troops. These, like the legionary eagle or the signum, were considered sacred objects and were to be kept in a place of honor in the camp. When being marched out, the standards would be defended to the very last extremity, as losing them to the enemy would be a disgrace or even a curse upon the legion and its honor. While we don't expect to lose our own property in actual battle, to have a standard would be an interesting object for our displays and for marching. To that end, I must credit Mr. Matthew Amt for his work in creating the Legio XX vexillum and being the inspiration for ours. A 3rd century coin was discovered showing two legionary standards, one of Legio V and one of Legio XIII. The standards are crudely depicted but the only detail to be seen on the standards themselves are the numerals. There are no other elements, no animals, no words. Seemed like the best bet for proceeding. From what I could see, it appears as though there was fringe and some decorative straps hanging from the edge of the standard. Right now (XI August), I have ordered some all-natural fiber fringe and I made two green tassels for either side out of yarn. I'm very pleased with the fact that I've been able to avoid any synthetic materials or machine-sewing on this particular project so far. The only man-made element is the paint. I'll post a picture here as the project progresses. The next big step is to get a pole to mount the cross-bar onto. My goal is to have this done in time for our Ancients Alive event at Locust Lawn on XIV September.
K. Qt. Etruscus--
V JULY MMXIV Legio XIII Gemina made an appearance at a military timeline event in north-western Connecticut to raise money for a soldier suffering from PTSD in need of a service dog. Our three legionaries met up with Quintus of Leg III Cyr who acted as our optio. The Romans marched and drilled on the field, including the conquest of the cheeseburger stand, where great glories were added to the Roman standards. Pictures from the event on our the front page gallery. We were joined by other MACS citizens from other time periods as well. In all, the program had representations from us, the French and Indian War and up to the First World War. We had good company, free wine (free wine!), delightful hosts, and beautiful weather. In the end, some $6,000 were raised for the charitable cause which will go a long way in reaching the goal. K. Qt. Etruscus--
XV OCTOBER - MMXIII Decius Barraticus, being uncontested for the position, was re-elected Consul of the Mid-Atlantic Classical Society. Games and feasts were thrown in his honor at public expense. |
AuthorCaeso Quintilius Etruscus Archives
February 2021
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