Römer Shop
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Delivery time: 1 - 2 working days* (DE - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 1 - 2 working days* (DE - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 1 - 2 working days* (DE - int. shipments may differ)
Anyone interested in Roman equipment, clothing and daily life will find a carefully curated selection of replicas, costumes and accessories in the Vehi Mercatus Roman Shop – for re-enactment, stage combat, living history and anyone who wants to experience the Roman Empire up close.
What does Roman equipment consist of? An overview
The basic kit of a Roman legionary can be broken down into a few key items: a simple woollen tunic as undergarment, the military belt (cingulum militare), open-toed leather sandals (caligae) and a weapon – usually the short thrusting sword (gladius). In addition, there was protective equipment consisting of a helmet, shield and body armour, which varied depending on the era and unit.
There were clear differences in equipment between legionaries, officers and civilians. A simple legionary wore the standardised equipment of his unit, whilst centurions and tribunes displayed their rank through silver helmet crests, elaborately decorated breastplates and distinctive cloaks (paludamentum). Civilians – merchants, craftsmen, women – wore togas or stoles without any military equipment.
For re-enactment, this results in a clear distinction: ancient armour such as the lorica segmentata or chainmail belongs to combat equipment and is subject to specific requirements regarding stability and safety at re-enactment events. Roman clothing such as the tunic, cloak and belt, on the other hand, constitutes the costume category, which is also used for museum programmes, Roman days and living history events without any combat context.
Roman clothing: tunic, attire and fabrics
The tunic was the central garment in ancient Rome – worn by men and women, slaves and senators, soldiers and civilians alike. What distinguished them from one another were cut, length, colour and material. The legionary wore a knee-length woollen tunic in natural colours or earth tones. Senators were recognised by the tunica laticlavia with a wide purple stripe (clavus), whilst ordinary citizens wore narrower stripes.
In terms of material choice, the historical context dictates that wool was the most commonly used fabric in ancient Rome – robust, warm and easy to dye. Linen was used for lighter undergarments and summer attire. Cotton was rather rare in early and middle Roman times, but found its way into the empire via trade routes. For re-enactment, natural fibres have clear advantages: they regulate body temperature better, are more comfortable during long event days and, when viewed up close, look more authentic than synthetic fabrics.
Colours had a distinct social dimension in ancient Rome. White signalled dignity and civic status – the toga candida of a candidate for office was demonstratively white. Red and scarlet stood for military power and rank: the general’s cloak (paludamentum) was purple-red, whilst ordinary soldiers often wore red or brown tunics. Purple was considered the imperial colour and was legally reserved for the emperor. For a coherent re-enactment outfit, it is advisable to be familiar with these colour codes and to consciously represent one’s own rank or status.
Who is the Roman Shop suitable for? Overview of areas of use
- Roman Days, legionary camps, museum programmes
- Historically accurate garments made from natural fibres
- Detailed accessories: belts, fibulae, shoes
- Replicas for exhibitions and school projects
- Durable replicas for re-enactment groups and demonstrations
- Costumes for carnival, Shrove Tuesday and school events
- Theatre props and film equipment
- Decorative pieces and artefact replicas for collectors
Whether you’re looking for a Roman carnival costume for men or women, or want to put together a full legionnaire’s costume for a multi-day camp, you’ll find just what you need here. The range also includes Roman-style Halloween costumes for last-minute occasions.
Roman shoes and belts: details that complete the outfit
Among Roman footwear, the caligae take pride of place. This open-toed leather sandal with a riveted, reinforced sole was the standard footwear of the Roman legionary. Historical finds reveal a dense pattern of rivets and straps that connects the sole to the upper leather whilst also providing ventilation. Modern versions are based on these finds and are available in various quality grades – from simple display pieces to hand-sewn versions made from vegetable-tanned leather.
For officers and civilians, the calcei – closed shoes with lacing – were the typical footwear. They emphasised the wearer’s status and differed significantly in material and workmanship from the coarse military sandals.
The Cingulum militare – the Roman military belt – is far more than a functional item of clothing. Wide leather straps with riveted metal fittings, a striking buckle and the characteristic hanging straps (Balteus) with metal end pendants made the belt a visible sign of military affiliation. The quality and intricacy of the fittings reflected the wearer’s rank: the more elaborately engraved and silver-plated, the higher the status. Roman belts in our range draw on this design language and are suitable for both re-enactment and as costume accessories.
Materials and quality grades: What to look for when buying Roman items
| Material | Suitability | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Wool / Linen / Cotton | Historical | Tunics, coats, garments |
| Synthetic fabrics | Costumes | Carnival, theatre, special occasions |
| Carbon steel | Historical | Swords, knives, combat replicas |
| Die-cast zinc | Decorative | Decorative swords, buckles, fittings |
| Vegetable-tanned leather | Historical | Shoes, belts, high-quality bags |
| Industrially tanned leather | Entry-level | Affordable shoes, costume accessories |
When it comes to natural fibres: anyone active in events with a dress code or in re-enactment groups will often be reminded that natural fibres are mandatory. Synthetic fabrics reflect light differently, melt when sparks fly and look recognisably fake up close. When it comes to metal parts, the difference between carbon steel and die-cast zinc makes a difference, particularly with regular use: steel is heavier, feels higher quality and lasts significantly longer. Die-cast zinc replicas are suitable for decorative purposes and occasional use.
For Roman knives and swords, the quality of the steel is crucial for cutting performance and safety in re-enactment combat. For Roman bags and belt pouches, vegetable-tanned leather is recommended, as it moulds to the wearer over time and can be re-treated.
Roman weapons and armour: From the lorica to the gladius
Types of armour
Lorica Segmentata (segmented armour): The most famous image of the legionary – characteristic of the Imperial period from the 1st century AD onwards. Individual metal strips are connected by leather straps. High wearing comfort with good protective effect. Lorica Hamata (chain mail): An older and more durable type made of interlinked iron rings – worn by auxiliary troops and officers as well as by legionaries. Lorica Squamata (scale armour): Individual metal scales on a leather backing – more labour-intensive to produce, but more impressive in appearance. Popular with officers and cavalry.
Weapons
Gladius: The short, double-edged thrusting sword was the legionary’s primary weapon – effective in close combat within a closed formation. Blade length approx. 50–65 cm. Pugio: The Roman military dagger with a broad blade served as a secondary weapon and everyday tool. Pilum: The heavy throwing spear with a soft iron shaft was designed to bend on impact and prevent it from being thrown back – a technically sophisticated weapon. Blunt or flexible training versions are recommended for re-enactment combat.
Helmets
Coolus type: Simple bronze helmet with neck guard, common in the late Republic and early Imperial period. Imperial-Gallic type: The characteristic legionary helmet of the Imperial period with pronounced neck guard, cheek guards and a distinctive shape – today the standard image of the Roman helmet. Face helmet (cavalry parade): Elaborately crafted helmets with a mask, exclusively for parades and cavalry – not combat equipment, but ceremonial items. For use in re-enactment combat, ensure the helmet has CE marking and sufficient wall thickness.
Whether you’re putting together a complete legionnaire’s costume, looking to add specific Roman items to your collection, or simply want to immerse yourself in the world of antiquity – browse the Römer Shop and find the perfect piece for your next project.
Frequently asked questions
A proper legionary costume consists of at least a woollen tunic, the cingulum militare (military belt), caligae (leather sandals) and a helmet. For a re-enactment-ready outfit, add a lorica (armour), gladius (sword) and shield. Depending on the event and group, there are specific guidelines regarding materials and historical accuracy.
For active use in re-enactment combat, the armour should be made of sturdy steel and have sufficient wall thickness. Lorica Segmentata and Lorica Hamata (chainmail) are the most common types. It is important to check before purchasing whether the replica meets the requirements of your own re-enactment group or event – decorative pieces made from die-cast zinc are not suitable for combat use.
Our own brand, Vehi Mercatus, uses exclusively natural fibres such as wool, linen and cotton. This decision has been made deliberately – natural fibres are often mandatory at re-enactment events, look more authentic and are more comfortable to wear than synthetic alternatives. The range also includes more affordable costume options, some of which are made from blended fabrics.
Caligae are open, riveted leather sandals that were typical of Roman legionaries. Calcei, on the other hand, are closed leather shoes worn by officers, senators and civilians. For a historically accurate legionary costume, caligae are the right choice, whilst calcei are more suited to a civilian or senatorial portrayal.
Yes, the range covers various areas of use. In addition to replicas suitable for re-enactment, there are also simpler costume versions suitable for carnival, school projects and theatre performances. Those who only need a Roman costume occasionally will find affordable options in the entry-level range without having to compromise on an authentic appearance.