did roman soldiers have blue tunics besides red hoping someone can help im new to the forum so forgive any mistakes i know gandalf is wrong
I believe the Roman Republic soldiers did but I dont think the Imperial Soldiers did, big time difference… course my knowledge of ancient rome is very very limited so I’m not sure if there ever was a republic but I remember reading that somewhere.
gandolf,
Depending on the time period, Roman soldiers would wear red or white/off white tunics. Yellow was associated with cavalry and blue with sailors. I think the blue you see on the preatorians in Gladiator is more hollywood than history.
the debates rage on as to the exact colors, but several extent archeological finds are some good primary documentation of this as well as several extant art pieces. i.e painted statues, frescoes, wall reliefs, mosaics etc.
There are alos arguments as to the reason behind it. One is that red is a cheap dye. The belief that it hides blood is on its way to becomeing an accepted myth as these are soldiers that even their training involved alot of blood, watched blood sports, and had a firm belief that the best way to stop the spilling of Roman blood was to spill the others guys first and more of it. So I don’t think they would be worried about it. Besides, unless it is washed out immediately, blood dries to a very dark brown or even black stain on wools and linens. So little is hidden.
Purple was saved for dignitaries, senators and the social elite.
I would reccomend to you several publications by Grahm Sumner. He is doing a great deal of reserach on this topic and has published more than a few books on the subject. One of his most recent is an Osprey book specificaly on Roman Military Clothing.
Mike
Thanks Jordan &Mike Given me food for thought so i shall follow your advice.This is great just ask and the answers come back thanks again
gandolf;
Sorry about the late reply, have been off line for a couple of days ([censored] computers) I have checked one of my references in which there are roman auxiliary infantry wearing blue tunics, they where from the Legio XX based in england in the mid 1st century.
Thanks Wayne for your imfo great stuff by the way almost live next door. brian