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- About the R.M.R.S.
The R.M.R.S is a research and re-enactment
group specialising in the latter part of the 1st century AD. The
Society presents living history displays of Roman military drill and
civilian life at venues all over Britain. Our training base is at the
Lunt fort, near Coventry and although many members live in the Midlands
a number also come from as far afield as Essex, Scotland, Germany and
even Rome! Members are of all ages, male and female, single, couples
and families.
- Vexillatio
Legionis Geminae
The
display team of the RMRS represents a detachment of the Twin Legion,
Legio XIIII Gemina Martia Victrix along with its associated auxiliary
units. The team demonstrates the drill, tactics, battle formations,
training, armour and equipment of the Roman army at the turn of the
1st and 2nd centuries A.D. at the time of the Emperor Trajan. Troops
are based in an authentic encampment area and, where space permits,
displays include archery and the firing of a catapulta and manuballista.
Various military ceremonies are also a regular feature including the
swearing of loyalty to the Emperor, roll calls and military religious
ceremonies.
Demonstrations can also include figure types and
equipment from the early Republic through to the fall of the Empire
during the 5th century A.D. We also have a marine with two fully
operational model Roman warships. Between displays soldiers talk to
members of the public, answering questions, demonstrating equipment
and eating authentically cooked Roman rations. Soldiers speak Latin
wherever possible and answer to the names of original members of Legio
XIIII.
Recruits interested in soldiering can opt either
for Legionary or Auxiliary status and this is entirely a matter of personal
choice. Legionaries in the ancient world had higher status and pay than
the auxiliaries but the RMRS holds no such distinctions. Indeed, auxiliary
status is increasingly popular given their variety of weapons and equipment
and our Batavian and Hamian cohorts are regarded as an integral and
important part of the display team.
- Civilian Life
Civilian members, both male and female, put on displays
and demonstrations of various aspects of domestic life, manufacture
and trade. Like the soldiers, they give information, answer questions
and demonstrate the use of some of the various items on display.
Living history displays include religion, food and cooking, spinning,
dyeing, weaving, cosmetics, children's toys, games, writing and
mosaics. Many of these provide opportunities for members of the public,
particularly children, to gain 'hands on' experience
- Research
All the clothing, footwear, personal belongings, armour, equipment,
and artillery used have been reproduced using authentic materials, after
extensive research. For example, an account of the research and reconstruction
of one of our pieces of artillery, the manuballista, was reported
in the proceedings of the Roman Military Equipment Conference.
Our polybolos or multi-shooting artillery piece is the only one
in the world and recently featured prominently on television. Our armourers
are highly regarded in their field and produce pieces for museums and
collectors the world over. Using these reconstructed artefacts provides
further opportunities for research.
- Film and Television
The
RMRS is a regular participant in the production of both films and television
programmes and are well regarded both for their professionalism and
their good-humoured co-operation : recent appearances include Time
Team Live; I Caesar ; The Glory that was
Rome; Eureka ; Adam Hart-Davis' acclaimed What The Romans did
for us and The Real Spartacus.
- Courses, Talks and
Presentations
Besides the full-scale public displays,
the society also runs weekend courses on Roman military life and many
members give talks and presentations
about various aspects of Roman history to schools, colleges, clubs and
societies. Should you have any enquiries about these or any of our other
activities, do not hesitate to email
us or contact our Events Secretary on the number below
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