Of Belts and Men: The Roman Military Belt of the 1st Century A.D. Open Access

Magee, Andrew Turner (2010)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/d217qp82v?locale=en
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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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