Sharp dressed men: the Roman military belt as a fashion item. In: JRMES 18, 2017, 85-100 (original) (raw)

Abstract

During the first three centuries, the Roman military belt underwent many transformations in its appearance. While it had to comply with some minimal functional requirements, the different belt decorations evolved in a system that had little to do with practicality or fighting techniques and quite a lot with fashion. This paper examines the different fashions in order to answer questions on the motivation for the various choices and whether they mirror social realities and social changes in the Roman army.

Key takeaways

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  1. The Roman military belt served as a status symbol, marking identity as a soldier or veteran.
  2. Belt decorations evolved significantly over centuries, reflecting fashion rather than purely functional needs.
  3. Decorative mounts on belts weighed over 1 kilogram, impacting soldiers' load during marches.
  4. The belt's design changes mirrored social shifts within the Roman army from citizen-soldiers to a professional force.
  5. This paper examines the relationship between military belts and social identity in the Roman army.

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References (55)

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FAQs

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What explains the transformation of the Roman military belt's decorative style?add

The study finds that the military belt's decoration style evolved approximately every generation, reflecting changing aesthetic preferences and symbolizing shifting social identities among soldiers.

How did the military belt's design reflect soldiers' social status?add

The military belt was heavily decorated, signaling wealth and rank; for instance, the transition to silver mounts among centurions became commonplace around the mid-2nd century AD.

Why did the term balteus shift from belt to shoulderbelt in Roman military terminology?add

The nomenclature change coincided with the 2nd-century practice of wearing swords on shoulderbelts, while the waist belt became known as cingulum militare.

What role did the military belt play in soldier identity and cohesion?add

Wearing a military belt reinforced social identity; it was recognized by civilians and created in-group solidarity among soldiers by visual similarities.

When did the military belt begin to feature more elaborate decorations?add

Elaborate decorations emerged prominently during the Augustan period, as evidenced by artifacts lacking such adornments in earlier Republican depictions.