Focale

A Focale ( neuter, plural focalia ) was a 1 to 1.5 meters long oblong cloth of cotton or wool, which was carried by the legionaries in the Roman army being.

Benefit

It was half wrapped under the arms around the neck, which reduced the risk of injury from sharp chest armor. In addition, it 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 from bumps by clubs or other blunt -handed weapons. In addition, the Focale was a cleaning, wiping cloth.

History

The Focale was introduced under the Emperor Augustus. Variations were certainly already common in Gaius Julius Caesar's legions. Under Emperor Trajan it was probably common throughout the military system, which proves the Column of Trajan, on which the legionaries wore those scarves for the parades. Because of their practical use, she was carried safely even with allies and auxiliaries.

Sources

• Marcus Junkelmann, The legions of Augustus
• Peter Connolly: The Roman army, Tessloff -Verlag, ISBN 3-7886-0180-9

• Roman Military Equipment
• Kostümkunde Roman antiquity
• Military Uniform
• Schulte Rauf Lying garment