Although the legions are often seen as the backbone of the Roman army, they couldn’t do without auxiliae. The auxiliae were auxiliary soldiers from outside the Roman empire and supplemented the army with troops skilled in various disciplines.
In this blog, we outlined an outfit for an auxiliary soldier.
You can find a different auxiliary outfit on this blog: https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/blogs/info/batavian-auxiliae/
Helmet: coolus
The Coolus, in German often called a Hagenau type helmet, is a type of ancient Roman helmet that was used by the Roman military during the late Roman Republic and early Roman Empire. It was named after the site of its first discovery, Coolus, a town in northeastern France. These helmets were in use from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD.
The helmet was most often made of bronze, although some were made of iron. It consisted of a bowl-shaped skull cap with a brow guard, neck guard and cheek flaps. There was often a crest knob, to which the wearer could attach a plume.
The reproduction our auxiliary is wearing is a replica from a find in Haltern, Germany. The original dates from the early 1st century AD and has a smaller neckplate than helmets of a later period.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/deepeeka-coolus-d-germanicus.html
Chainmail shirt: Lorica hamata
The lorica hamata was a chainmail shirt which was the most important type of armour for the Roman soldier from the 3rd century BC until the end of the Roman empire. It was probably borrowed from the Gallic tribes during the Republican period and worn by legionaries and auxiliaries alike. The hamata consisted of alternately riveted and punched rings and its length varied from hip-length to reaching just above the knee. Because of the flexibility, many soldiers preferred it over the lorica segmentata, which was developed in the 1st century AD.
Below the lorica hamata, one could wear a gambeson or subarmalis, to give extra protection against blunt force. However, no traces of organic material were found on original Roman chainmail fragments.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/lorica-hamata-mixed-rings-6-mm.html
Belt: Cingulum
The cingulum or balteus was a belt used to hang various equipment from. It was made of leather and often decorated with metal fittings.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/deepeeka-roman-cintus.html
Trousers
Trousers were introduced to the Roman army by ‘barbarian’ auxiliaries, who wore them against the cold. The trousers were made of wool and were ideal for campaigns in the northern territories. The design of these trousers are based on findings from Thorsberg, Germany, which date to the 3rd or 4th century AD. Similar trousers were also found in Damendorf.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/thorsberg-hose-ragnar-brown.html
Tunic
Over the trousers, the auxiliary wore a short tunic, which could have various colours, and sometimes also a coat to keep himself warm.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/undertunic-yngvi-short-sleeves-natural.html
Spear
The auxiliary’s spear (hasta) was light enough to throw, but heavy enough for stabbing / thrusting.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/roman-hasta-noviomagus.html
Shield: scutum
Trajan’s column and Marcus Aurelius’ column clearly show auxiliary troops, both infantry and cavalry, wearing flat, oval-shaped shields.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/roman-equestris-auxiliae-shield.html
Caligae
The caligae were the standard sandals worn by Roman legionaries and auxiliary troops. The sole consisted of various layers of leather and was around 20 mm thick. It was reinforced with hobnails. The upper layer was made out of a single piece of leather and sown at the heel. Because of the open design, one could wear it when crossing streams and rivers, and for warmth, the soldier could wear socks (undones). It is likely that caligae were almost never repaired, and thrown away when they showed signs of wear and tear.
The caligae are based on originals from the early 70s to mid-80s AD.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/roman-caligae-with-hobnails-castleford-valkenburg.html