Throughout these web pages you will find extensive information about our Roman
re-enactment activities, achievements and goals as one of the oldest Roman
re-enactment clubs in the USA.
Please, feel free to write or email your comments or to ask questions. We're
here to teach and to learn.
Though conceived of and organized in March of 1993 our premiere event was
February, 1994.
We are the first Roman re-enactment club in the Western US
and the largest Roman re-enactment club in North America.
We currently have Chapters across the USA.
THE GOAL OF LEGIO IX HISPANA
Our Initial Goal is the reconstruction of a full strength Centuria, to be the
first Roman reenactment club ever to field such a unit comprised of members all
from the same club. If you are contemplating Roman re-enactment as a hobby and
if you like what you see here then please consider joining us.
Who We Are
We portray a company of soldiers, common Roman soldiers, support Auxilia, and
civilians, all doing the same time period, presenting a large dynamic display.
There are no officers and no fancy titles, no governors or senators or
tribunes... no togas. We are common soldiers and the civilians who would
have been associated with a Roman military encampment.
Where We Are
We are encamped in the northern part of Provincia Britannia, north of what will
become that Hadrian's Wall public works project. It is
the late 1st C AD. Let's see.... that should make it approximately March 15,
the year 850 since the founding of Rome
(97AD) round about 8:30 in the
morning. . . or something like that!
What We Are Doing There
We are patrolling and pacifying the region assigned to us as well as making
improvements to our temporary camp. There is an Oppidium that needs to be
taken by the end of Aprilis. We are also surveying the area for
resources, constructing a bridge or two and there are those persistent rumors
that we'll be laying a proper road next Spring.
Re-enactment Philosophy
The best way to describe what we do is engendered in the phrase 'experiential
archaeology'. Our displays are dynamic, not static. We are not content with
parades and drills or displays of gear. We, via our portrayals, prefer to put
our Roman gear and equipment to the test.
We strongly believe that the gear we make or acquire is best portrayed and
understood when it is used, used extensively, put to its physical limitations.
We do not revere our equipment or handle it with cotton gloves. The gear we
make and wear is designed and intended to be durable, fully functional soldier's
gear, just like the originals.
If it bends, we straighten it.
If it breaks, we fix it.
If it is destroyed, we replace it.
Benefits of Joining Legio IX Hispana
- We focus our combined energies on creating a dynamic group impression from a
single time period. We do not do timelines of Legio IX through history
- We have established an infrastructure and support network that's designed to
get you started very quickly. No need for you to re-invent the wheel.
- To maintain a high level of authenticity we make much of the armor, weapons,
gear and other equipment that we use. We make our Kit by hand when we can,
using hand tools whenever we can, even making tools when we need to! We
do not use modern mass production precision methods for armor or belt fittings.
We hand cut, hand form or hand cast whenever we can. Our gear is not precise
because the gear that's been found is also not precise. "With few
exceptions, most modern replicas are too well made." M.C. Bishop. (1) We
are that exception and we do it exceedingly well.
- We use the gear... in addition to highly informative displays and educational
demonstrations at Military Timelines, History Events (Faires, Highland Games et
al), Corporate Functions, Museums, and Schools, (Elementary through University)
many of us engage in simulated weapons combat, we build Roman encampments, we
also go on full kit Campaign Marches in which the total weight of the Kit
weighs 110lbs!
- We have tens of thousands of hours of experience using Roman armor, gear, weapons,
far more than any other club in North America. The
experiences of using simulated weapons in intensely physical combat scenarios
(something Roman soldiers actually did!) has endowed us with a
perspective that is profoundly unique in Roman reenactment anywhere in the
world, a perspective that can't be learned from parading, drills, books or
movies, nor from theatrical fighting no matter how sharp the gladius.
- By joining, you can acquire highly authentic re-enactment grade equipment,
armor, weapons and other gear from Member Resources... How about a hand
made, hammered, tinned segmentata custom made to fit you for only $355?
- We have no dues.
-- ...and to quote Marcus, "The pay's good, the water's clean."
Becoming A Participant Member of Legio IX Hispana
If you are new to Roman re-enactment you will find a wealth of resources here
at our website, useful information that can assist you in becoming a Roman
re-enactor. However, if you like what we do, if you like what we
represent and if you like who we are you are welcome to join us!
It is quite easy to become a Participant Member of Legio IX Hispana no matter
where you live. What you do need is the desire to be a part of what we are
doing, to join with us in accomplishing our Goals, plus the ability to acquire
and use the required Kit as a member of Legio IX Hispana.
If you are already a Roman re-enactor joining is also simple. However, it
requires that existing Kit be approved for use in Legio IX Hispana.
For existing re-enactors with equipment that does not meet our Standards we
have a excellent program to help you upgrade your gear often times at no
monetary cost!
Physical Appearance
We are modern people and this is a hobby. Sometimes modern conditions can
interfere with a good depiction of a common Roman soldier. Here are some
guidelines:
- Participant Members as soldiers should be in good physical shape, fit and
capable of using the armor and gear. The armor weighs about 18lbs and the
scutum weighs 15-18 lbs.
- Whenever possible those who need glasses should wear contacts or not wear
glasses. If glasses must be worn they should be minimal in appearance
with light frames, and not have colored or polarizing lenses.
- Jewelry. Any modern jewelry should not be visible.
- Tattoos. Tattoos must not be visible. A fun an educational way to hide a
tattoo is to cover it with a Roman bandage.
- Hair. Modern hairstyles including cut and coloration should be avoided. Hair
length is generally not an issue. Facial hair is allowed but trimmed and shaped
facial hair should be historically acceptable.
- Makeup. Unacceptable on Soldiers except when used to disguise modern
affectations such as tattoos or to disguise gender.
- Gender. Legio IX Hispana allows females to portray Roman soldiers but only so
long as they are able to disguise their femaleness and meet the physical
requirements. Sometimes this means filling in plucked eyebrows or even wearing
false moustaches.
- Ethnicity. Not a concern.
Becoming a Soldier of Legio IX Hispana
If you are interested in recreating the life and times of a common Roman
soldier stationed on the Frontier along with the wives, children and civilians
that would have been there; if you are interested in learning how to use the
arms, armor and equipment, learning why the gear and equipment has the form it
does; if you are not afraid to get a little dirty, or dented, or sweaty, or
even a bit rusty... then Legio IX Hispana is definitely the Roman reenactment
club for you.
Getting Started as Roman Soldier
It's very, very easy.
1) Apply for Membership. You'll then be contacted by a member of the Centurio's
staff.
2) Make or acquire a tunica, balteus and caliga or calceus (soldier's tunic,
plain belt, soldier shoes). We can set you up with patterns and instructions,
or we can supply the needed materials in Kit form or you can buy these items
fully assembled.
Costs
Military re-enactment from any time period can be an expensive hobby. Roman
re-enactment can be just expensive too... but only if you really, really want
it to be.
A hand crafted custom made Roman helmet can cost $600 or more! You can also
spend that much for a gladius AND another $600 for a lorica segmentata.... but
only if you truly want to.
Since we make most of the gear we need you can acquire your entire Basic Kit
for about $700. That includes reenactor grade segmentata custom made to fit
you, helmet, gladius, pugio, pilum, scutum, clothes, shoes, balteus militare
and various belts. Nor do you have to acquire it all at once. We have a program
that allows you to make monthly payments! You can even trade labor for
Kit in which case it can cost very little to become a Roman soldier. We also
have an in-house barter system! We are firmly dedicated to making this
hobby affordable and successful!
Becoming a Civilian in Legio IX Hispana
Yes, some members portray civilians. We do not portray aristocracy,
tribunes, generals, priestesses. No one wears a toga!
Civilian members are those common people who would accompany or interact with a
camp of Roman soldiers. This can include the women and children of soldiers, as
well as assorted craftsmen and local civilians. Civilian members are
often native or local born, often Britons but sometimes civilians from other
parts of the Empire.
The portrayal of historic crafts is an important part of what we do and is thus
strongly encouraged! Information about the Daily Life of Civilians can be found
here: Legio IX Hispana Vicus
Write to us or call for information.
Learn how to form a chapter in your area.
Transfers are welcome. Do have a Roman Legion club? Learn how your group
can join Legio IX Hispana!
Gaius Valerius Tacitus Hibernicus
Centurio, Legio IX Hispana
Legio IX Hispana, Inc
3210 32nd Street
San Diego, CA USA
92104-4736
Sean Richards, President
legioix@pacbell.net
619.563.5200
619.563.5700, home, before 8pm PST
(1) Lorica Segmentata: A Handbook of Articulated Roman Plate Armor, M.C.
Bishop, page 95.
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