Research...Rome

These illustrations were of a display in the Museum of London. They are, of course, all that remains of the equipment of a very well equipped soldier of about 200 AD. Maybe even a bit later since of course, the "provinces" were the last to get the new stuff.

After Roman London was burned, the mighty Speedwell River was sort of accidently filled in by toppling buildings, and it flowed pretty much at random throughout the west end streets. During the re-build, they established a new Western Gateway, called in the usual practical Roman fashion "New Gate", and of course, the street which was carved in a straight line though the rubble is still called "New Gate". The River was eventually vaulted over, but the rubble is still there. And it is still full of bodies, bricks, and all preserving mud.

This fellow was still on duty, refusing to leave his post even though the wild British tribesmen were setting fires all around him. He remained at his post until the early 1960's when a basement had to be extended, and a rescue dig finally relieved him from his duty.

This is what I use for research.

Cool Eh!