Of Belts and Men: The Roman Military Belt of the 1st Century A.D. Open Access
Magee, Andrew Turner (2010)
Abstract
Abstract
Of Belts and Men: The Roman Military Belt of the 1st Century
A.D.
By Andrew T. Magee
Military belts are a well known piece of gear in 1st Century A.D.
Roman military
equipment studies. Despite this, these belts have never been
studied in depth as an piece
of a soldier's panoply. This thesis functions to produce a
introduction to
the 1st Century A.D. Roman military belt and examine what such an
item meant for
soldiers. Chapters one through three introduce the art
historical material, archaeological remains, and examines the
products used in
constructing belts, their methods of production, and the process of
belt assemblage. Chapter four looks into the history of embellished
military
belts in Italy prior to the 1st Century A.D. by looking at the
Villanovan, Etruscan,
Samnite, and Republican Roman uses of belts and how they possibly
influenced later
styles. The last portion explores the specifics of the relationship
between men and their
belts. It begins with chapter five and a look at the practical
applications in addition to the
features of a belt which might be impractical. Chapter six explores
the different aspects
of cost including the thought required
when investing in a belt and the subsequent use of it as source of
income.
Chapter seven explores the belt as a method of displaying social
connotations from
imperial power to personal wealth and community status. The final
chapter
explores the evidence for a Roman connection to belts by looking at
texts and art
historical material for the views of the soldiery and the populace
at large. This study of
belts serves to present the first detailed study of belts and the
evidence for them. In
addition, examining belts leads to an understanding of larger
issues in the field of
classical studies involving the psyche of soldiers, the use of the
military for displays of
power, the public understanding of military, and more. Though this
work is preliminary,
it shows how useful a continued exploration into the world of
military belts could be for
the realm of classical studies.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
1
Chapter 1: Art Historical Evidence
6
Chapter 2: Archaeological Evidence
45
Chapter 3: Belt Material and Production
90
Chapter 4: The Pre-Roman Military Belt
106
Chapter 5: Practicality and Impracticality
140
Chapter 6: Cost - Benefit
149
Chapter 7: The Social Sphere
160
Chapter 8: Pride
172
Conclusion
181
Bibliography
183
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