Joining LEGIO IX HISPANA

What are the costs and commitments to participate as a Roman soldier or civilian with Legio IX Hispana?

There are no dues or initiation fees to join Legio IX (although we may occaisionally ask for voluntary contributions toward unit equipment or projects). Participation is up to each individual, although we encourage everyone to attend as many activities as they can! We strive to have about 10 events a year, including a mixture of unit workshops (fabrica), work parties at event sites, public living history displays, and non-public immersion events.

Little or no initial investment is required to participate in your first few events; the unit has some loaner equipment and clothing available for new members to use while they are acquiring their basic items. Everyone is encouraged to obtain their own clothing and footware first; many members have made their own for under $100 or purchased these items for under $200.

Portraying a Roman miles (soldier) with all of his combat equipment of course costs more (but less than it does to portray a soldier in some other periods!). Legio IX strives to make the completing this portrayal (called an "impression") as economical as possible. We buy equipment in bulk at near wholesale prices, and raw materials in large quantities. We hold unit workshops (fabrica) where members can make their own equipment or learn the techniques and borrow our patterns. Most members use a combination of buying some items and making others, although almost everything you might need is available from commercial vendors.

Two items, the shield (scutum) and spear (pilum) are usually issued to each miles at events by the unit quartermaster. This eliminates the requirement to buy these on your own ( although some members do so anyway).

A basic soldier impression can cost between $380 (for a combination of self-made and unit discount purchased gear) to $800 for non-discount full retail purchase.