VICESIMA - QUARTA
LEGION XXIV - MEDIA - ATLANTIA
* PROVINCIA PENNSYLVANIA *
* MEDIA - ATLANTICA * AMERICIA *
Defending the Frontiers of Ancient Rome
in the Mid - Atlantic Province
of North America
August 11, 2001
Year of Rome 2754
Ave et Salutatio... Commilitonis
Hello and Greetings from Gallio Velius Marsallas,
Praefectus, Legio XXIV Media-Atlantia;
Tribune Militaris - NovaRoma - Gens Velia
aka George W. Metz
13 Post Run Newtown Square, PA 19073-3014
legionxxiv@-------- 610-353-4982
http://www.legionxxiv.org
VICESIMA QUARTA LEGION XXIV NEWS AUGUST 2001
LEGION XXIV AND LEGION X DEFEND ROME AT FORT MALDEN
This was our third campaign at Fort Malden and the best!
We had a total of 15 people combined for Saturday and Sunday, nine of whom
were attired in Roman fashion. Three were children, five were legionaries, two
were ladies in Roman garb. The weather was Clear, Hot and Humid; but like true
soldiers and citizens, all did their duty to the Emperor and Rome!
Mike "Placus" DuBois, who is organizing Legion X in the Detroit, MI area,
turned-out with some of his recruits - James "Gaius" Delcamp, Steven Briesmeister
and Q. Fabricus Varro, a teacher fluent in latin. We all heard and learned a lot from
Fabricus concerning our sloppy? latin!
Lady Pompeia Cornelia Strabo, Propraetrix, Canada Orientalis
Benefactarius Praefectum, Sodalitas Militarium NOVA ROMA,
flew in from Sault St Marie, Ontario with her son, to host a planned
gathering of NovaRoma Citizens. However, few citizens showed so
Pompeia supported the legionaries with encouragement and delicious
cookies. These "Eternal Flame of Rome" cookies were baked by Pompeia.
She said they were originally intended to be Scutum curved cookies,
but that she couldn't get the cookies to bend, so they were red with a
yellow *flame* of icing on top. Regardless, they were enjoyed and consumed.
NovaRoma Provincial Procurator Appius Tullius Marcellus Cato was
magnificently attired in tunic and toga. It was interesting to see him being
assisted while donning his toga. It clearly illustrated why Senators needed
attendants to assist them. One of his sons got into the spirit of the event
and donned a tunica and military belt, unlike Pompeia's 8 year old son, who
would have nothing to do with the tunica; even though we told him that men
really did wear dresses 2000 years ago.
We had more people on Saturday than on Sunday, but still had enough to
well represent Rome amid the more modern 1812, Civil War and WW-II.
On Saturday, there were five legionaries under the command of of Yours Truly
enough to display some Roman military maneuvers, and go into a Testudo
formation; which the crowd appreciated, as cameras snapped all around.
On Sunday there were three legionaries...still enough to show pilum throwing
and marching formation, which was equally appreciated.
On Saturday and Sunday there was a fashion show of all the reenactors from
different periods, military and civilian. On Saturday, there were the five
legionaries modeling chainmail armour, lorica segmentata, various helmets,
scutums, and a legionary in camp attire with marching pack.
Latinist and teacher, Q. Fabricus Varro of Legion VI, with the Commander's
wolfskin, parma scutum and chainmail, showed well as our Signifer.
He spent a lot of time talking to the public about Roma antiquita, Latin, etc.
A most interesting addition to our encampment.
On Saturday we had two ladies in Roman garb, Pompeia and another pending
citizen, Valeria from Magnus Laci provincia. Also an excellent person with
an extensive background in archeology. What a treat to meet her. She was
also kind enough to take some pictures.
Sunday's fashion show had less reenactors but was more varied, in that we
had not only legionaries and ladies, but we had Procurator Cato in tunica
and toga (everyone called him Senator!) and his son in a child's tunica.
So we had a very comprehensive display of Roman garb!
There was to be "Film at Eleven" after reporters from the CBC and a TV station
in the Windsor area talked with us and shot video of our camp and tacticals.
On behalf of the Provincia, Sodalitas Militarium and Legion XXIV, Lady Pompeia
presented a Grass Crown ,adorned with grapes, seven NR coins and wheat
sheaves ( all to represent the provincial deities) to the Commanding Corporal of
the 34th Reenactment Regiment of Fort Malden. These are kids from
all over Canada who are handpicked for this job. We consensually felt that
their marching, presentation, formations and maneuvers were very tight and
well disciplined. It was the intent to award the Crown to another reenactment
unit whom we thought was the most deserving based on the above criteria.
The commanding corporal was just thrilled at receiving the corona...said it
was the first official military award the unit had ever received......he said
"they will have to ORDER me to take this off my head!!"
Some 700 people visited our camp during the two days and picked up our
Legion XXIV flyers, Nova Roma coins and pamphlets.
The folks from the other time periods were happy to see Rome so well
represented and the Romans who attended want to return next year.
Our heart-felt thanks go to John McCloud and his people at Fort Malden.
They again displayed the hospitality that our Canadian friends to the north
are known for.
CAMPAIGN IN THE POCONOS ! Who's In ?
The "March Thru Time" Event at Memory Town, south of Mount Pocono,
PA on Sept 8 and 9th, 2001, is drawing near. Please contact me if you
are coming so I can advise Memory Town.
It is billed as a "Living History Event Spanning the Ages" and is being
sponsored by Company A of the First North Carolina Sharpshooter Battalion.
The site will have rest rooms, showers, restaurant, bar, entertainment and gift shop.
On-site modern motel rooms are also available.
Call 570-839-1680 for reservations.
Torch Light tours will be held on Saturday night and each unit will put on a
small skit to exhibit the camp life of their period of history.
Maximus aka John Ebel and Marcus Audens (James Matthew's) will be there
with the Gladiatorium Academia. John's gladiator event was a hit at
Roman Days and promises to draw some crowds at Mount Pocono.
Kathleen Carroll of Timeless Textiles is also planning to be present with
her husband Ethan aka Lucius Scipio.
LUDAS GLADIATORIUM ON LONG ISLAND
Speaking of crowds; Maximus and Marcus held a gladiator event at
Eisenhower Park on Long Island on August 4 & 5. The following "After-Action"
report was submitted by Marcus Audens, who served as the "Lanista" for the
event; which had received much publicity in the local news media .
I beg your leave to report to you the events of past weekend, August 4 & 5,
with the Roman Gladiatorial Event at Eisenhower Park, on Long Island, NY.
The above event was arranged privately by a great reenactor, and personal
friend -- Mr. John Ebel (Maximus Mecurius Gladius).
John is a member of the XXIVth Legion (sponsored by Nova Roma) and has
been asked to consider joining Legion VI as well. He had done a significantly
impressive gladiatorial activity previously at "Roman Days" in Maryland.
Those who attended were:
--Cascus Tiberius Rufus Longinus (Cdr of Legion VI and a Gladiator
Ordinarii)--(NR);
--Titus Ausonius Italicus (Legionaire--Legion VI);
--Quintus Verilius Lucan (Gladiator Tresarius--Net and Trident);
--Maximus Mecurius Gladius (Co-Owner of the School and Chief Gladiator);
--Lupas Britannicus Antonius (Centurion--Legion VI and the "Wolf of
Britain" Barbarian Gladiator)--(NR);
--Precillius Vandoria Antonia (Wife of Centurion Britannicus and
Mistress of the Camp);
--Miniumus Mecurius Gladius (Junior Gladiator In-Training);
--Tridentus Mecurius Gladius (Junior Gladiator In-Training);
--Marcus Minucius Audens (Roman Senator and Co-Owner of the
School)--(NR).
The weather for the event was excellent; Cool and cloudy on Saturday,
but clearing with increased temperature and plenty of sunshine on
Sunday.
The camp was set up, under trees, on a hill just above Eisenhower Park
Lake, at the end of a fenced area, triangular in shape with the
temporary fence separating the camp from the "coliseum battlefield."
The camp was accessed by a wide walkway off a paved park road, with a
gate consisting of two ten foot posts and an excellent wooden sign over
all announcing the "LUDAS MAGNUS GLADITORE" in period lettering and
design. Other signage indicated who we were and what we did, in more
detail, for the information of the spectator public.
The Camp consisted of the Legion VI wall tent and military weapon,
armor, and accouterment displays, The Chief Gladiator's Tent was adorned
with gladiator shields, armor, helmets, swords, personal chest, camp
equipment, accoutrements and gear. Associated with that was a Long
wooden bench arranged through the camp center also as a display area for
the various Gladiatorial Weapons in use:
--Trident and Net - Gladius - Crooked sword - Five types of
gladiatorial and legion shields - Various leather and padded armor parts;
--Detailed Helmets of the Fishman, and "Maximus" design;
--Pugios of different design.
The Senator's fly was placed against the far edge of the area, with four
camp tables, covered with blankets, a special period chair of comfort
(for the Senator--Grin!!). Bread, fruit, and wine in period vessels, a
money chest full of "gold" pieces for payment to the gladiators, a
laurel wreath for the temporarily appointed Master of the Games, a
scroll in a leather cover announcing the fighters and their specialties,
Nova Roma Fliers, Sodalitas Militarium Fliers, and Ludas Magnus
Gladitore Fliers and cards, as well as cards for the one of the sutlers
(La Wren's Nest) supplying Magnus Mecurius Gladius with gladiator
equipment, all filled the tables to overflowing. Extra equipment--
legionnaire's belts, sandals, leather pouches, bowls, horn spoons, silver
goblets, horn drinking cups and wooden food bowls were also in evidence
for display.
The park brought in a post hole digger for the gate posts, and the two
practice posts or "butts" that Magnus had set up. These practice posts
were in use, almost constantly, by young men wishing to partake of the
basic instruction offered by our Junior Gladiator In-Training, Minimus
Mecurius Gladius for both days. Each young man and woman who exercised
at the "butts," under the direction of Minimus Mecurius or any other
Gladiator, was given a "gold" coin by Senator Audens, with the thanks of
the Gladiatorial School. The park also provided a loud speaker system
for the Gladiatorial Bouts, as well as giving the School a chance to
"talk" with established audiences in a large auditorium tent nearby to
introduce the "players" and tell the visitors and spectators what we do.
The park's interest in our success could not have been more genuine,
active or interested and this attention was very much appreciated by all
member's of the Gladiatorial School.
The Gladiatorial School planned two "Coliseum Exravagazas" each day at
approximately 2:30 P.M. and 4:30 P.M. on the Gladiatorial Fighting Field
just outside the fence. These activities started with the announcement
of the Games in the Mid-Atlantic Province under the approval of Emperor
Domitian (87 A.D.). A "Games Master" was selected from the spectators,
crowned with the gold laurel wreath, and he, after some instruction by
Senator Audens, bade the games begin. The Senator announced the list of
fighters, who demonstrated their weapons and techniques before the
spectators. The gladiators were then called to salute the Games Master,
take their places, signal ready, and "Engage."
Senator Audens narrated the battles providing information on weapon
usage, fighting styles and field tactics. At the end of each bout the
spectators were called upon to judge death or life upon he fallen
gladiator, and the Gamesmaster made the final decision with a thumb
gesture, The latin words for life and death had been explained to the
spectators earlier by Senator Audens. The winner of the battle was
proclaimed, and was brought forward (if it was the Co-Owner of the
School --Maximus) and paid in "gold" pieces from Sen. Audens own hand.
In the last gladiatorial bout on Saturday and on Sunday, the Games Master
presented the "wooden sword of freedom" to the "surviving" Gladiator,
with the proper ceremony, and the crowd was encouraged to cheer and
respond to the "Victor of the Games!!"
On Saturday night Mrs. John Ebel provided the means of a very delicious
meal of venison and vegetable ka-bobs which we roasted over the coals of
a fire in the early evening and enjoyed immensely with bread, fruit and
wine. Cdr. Longinus provided the entertainment with a replay of the
movies "Gladiator" and "Sparticus" together with the further comments
about the making of the movie "Gladiator" and comments from Roman
Historians and Archaeologists in regard to the background of gladiators
in the Roman World. I thank both Mrs. Ebel for a delicious evening
meal, which was at once in period style, very satisfying and extremely
thoughtful, and Cdr. Longinus for his provided entertainment.
John Ebel and myself were the recipients of several requests from
interested spectators to appear in future engagements of this type
ranking from appearances at local birthday parties to appearing in a
coming Institute of Italian Studies and Culture on Long Island. I have
left these requests in the able hands of Mr. Ebel and will rely upon his
pursuance of these requests, with my assistance, as I may. Still other
spectators requested information on how to join the Gladiator School and
for consideration to be added to the Gladiator List under training and
notified as to our future schedules, and related gladiatorial information.
As you may imagine, these requests were all very flattering to a new unit
attempting to gain some small modicum of attention, amid the
presentations of experienced reenactors of the Rev War, and Civil War
periods who were in close proximity to our camp.
This is not to mention the extensive array of sutlers, Scottish Clan
music and the Naval Ship display which was nearby. Unlike "Roman Days"
this was not the only attraction by far, but rather a competition with
an extensive and experienced array of vendors, reenactors and
professionally produced displays. I am extremely pleased at the
Gladiatorial School's success in that mix!!!!!!!!!!!
In the times between bouts, the gladiators practiced at the "butts",
assisted any visitors to the camp with information, demonstrations, and
other activities, and answered hundreds of questions pertaining to the
School, the Legions, and the politics of Rome. Senator Audens and Cdr.
Longinus discussed future campaign plans, counted money out and
explained to those interested the basis of bartering and contract
negotiations with GameMasters in selling and buying the services of the
Gladiator School. The Centurion Britannicus excised the Legionaire
Ausonius in Legion battleline tactics and movements, and Mistress
Vandoria (Camp Mistress) in her very lovely self-designed gown and dress
answered questions about the role of women in the Roman world.
Gladiator Lucan and Junior Gladiator In-Training Minimus Mecurius
practiced almost constantly throughout both days at the practice butts
provided. Cdr. Longinius displayed and wore a new and very impressive
leather cuirass and Centurion Britannicus also displayed and wore a
leather harness and Legionaire's belt of his own design and making, Both
being most impressive. The School has taken some extensive photographs
of the event, camp, members and actions and will have them
available for display soon.
The result of the encampment, in relation to visitors attracted, was
very encouraging, the total count of camp visitors (not counting those
who came for the Gladiator Fights only) were approximately 150-200 on
Saturday, and 200-300 on Sunday, The audiences at the presentations
given by Maximus Mecurius Gladius, in the large tent next door to the
camp, averaged in the area of 150 people for each performance, and the
Gladiator fights (four performances) averaged from 150 on Saturday at
the first activity, to nearly 350 on Sunday at the last activity. These
estimates are the results of spectator counts initiated at various times
during the event by myself.
My personal thanks to John Ebel for his organizing of this event and of his
allowing it to be advertised in Nova Roma, and in the Province of New
England as a Provincial Event. In addition, for his very kind invitation
to me, to be a part of the Gladiatorial School and his willingness to
name me as Co-Owner!!!! My thanks indeed, and I shall endeavor to meet
the needs of this appointment to the best of my ability.
Very Respectfully;
Marcus Audens
ROMAN TOUR 2002 Up to 12 Spaces Still Available
Noto! Animus Attentus!!
Attention! Listen closely!!
Tour Sponsor, Commilito Robert Garbisch still needs up to 12 Romans
(or more) to confirm his Tour of Ancient Roman sights in July and August
2002.
Avete milites legionaries et civis ab Roma!
Greetings common soldier and citizen of Rome!
A two week tour of Roman and Celtic sites located in France,
Germany and England is being planned for late July into August 2002.
The tour will depart Dulles Airport near Washington DC on July 26 to
Heathrow and will return from Glasgow to Dulles on August 10th.
Sites to be visited are: Kalriese, site of the 9AD Teutoburger Vald
disaster,
Saalburg frontier fort, Caesar's defense line alone the Rhone River,
Celtic theme park near Alesia and Alesia itself, St.Germain Museum of
Celtic and Roman items, time to visit Paris, to England and Chester and
Hadrian's Wall and other Roman era sites.
Peter Connolly will be with us for part of the tour and Charles Wesencraft
will be with us at Hadrian's Wall.
The tour is limited to 48 travelers. The cost is $2,250.00 per person;
which
includes airfare from and to Dulles, all overnight accommodations and some
breakfasts.
To confirm your reservation send a refundable deposit of $250.00, to
Robert Garbisch, 224 Masonic Drive, Vallejo, CA 94591-4231
prior to July 1st 2001. 707-557-4188 fireman_bob1@--------
The ground portion of the trip may be purchased (cost not yet known) for
those
in Europe or who desire to extend their stay before or after the tour.
The Commander is signed up for this tour and he hopes to have you with him
in 2002 on what promises to be a very enlightening campaign.
UPCOMING CAMPAIGNS !!
Sep 12-15 Pennsic War XXX, Cooper Lake Campground, I-79 & US-422
Sep 8 - 9 March Thru Time Mount Pocono PA
Sep 15-16 Legion XX Fall Encampment at Marietta Mansion, Glendale MD
Sep 29-30 Universal Soldier Time Line Event, Fort Washington, MD
Oct ? Possible turn-out with Leg XX at the Walters Art Gallery,
Baltimore
Directions to Memory Town - March Thru Time
Your best route to east or west on I-80, to north on I-380, to Exit 8 "PA Rt
940"
East into Mount Pocono and south on US 611, approx..........
half a mile thru town and under railroad bridge.
Go 75 yards past railroad bridge to Grange Road on the left.
Left onto Grange Road to Memory Town.
Rt 611 north may be used from I-80 Exit 45; in which case Grange Road will
be
approx........... 3.5 miles on your right and if you go under the railroad
you went too far.
Bene Valete,
Thanking you for your continued support of Legion XXIV,
We remain, as always,
(take your pick)
Tuus in Sodalicio Imperium Romanae
Yours in the Comradeship of the Roman Empire
Tuus in Sodalicio Respublica Romanae
Yours in the Comradeship of the Roman Republic
Gallio / George
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