Focals
A focale (neuter, plural focalia) was a 1 to 1.5 meter long elongated cloth made of cotton or sheep's wool, which was worn by the legionaries in the Roman army .
Use
It was wrapped around the neck half under the armor, which reduced the risk of injury from sharp-edged breastplates. It also served as a warming scarf that was worn on different occasions. It was part of the soldier's uniform. In combat, the long piece of fabric hung under the armor and protected against knocks from clubs or other blunt hand weapons . In addition, the focale was a cleaning and wiping cloth.
history
The focale was introduced under Emperor Augustus . Variations were certainly already common in Gaius Julius Caesar's legions. Under Emperor Trajan it was probably widespread throughout the army, which is proven by the Trajan Column on which the legionaries wore such scarves for the parades . Because of its practical use, it was certainly worn by allies and auxiliary troops .
literature
- Marcus Junkelmann : The Legions of Augustus. The Roman soldier in an archaeological experiment (= cultural history of the ancient world . Vol. 33). 9th, expanded edition. von Zabern, Mainz am Rhein 2003, ISBN 3-8053-0886-8 .
- Peter Connolly : The Roman Army. Neuer Tessloff-Verlag, Nuremberg 1989, ISBN 3-7886-0180-9 .