The “Basic Kit” and “A-List” items essential for Unit Participation as a Miles Gregarius

This kit or the “A-List” is the basic impression as common Roman soldiers, and care should be taken to build it properly. This “Basic Kit is common to almost every soldier in Legio IX and is the minimum needed to participate with our group. Legio IX maintains a priority list as well as information on sources for accurate equipment. Check with the recruit coordinator or unit procurator BEFORE you order. Many so-called Roman reproduction items offered online are for costume purposes and are not suitable for reenacting, being too flimsy or innacurate. Even some commercial products approved for use are not perfect, and require some work. Ask first, before you spend!

The items in the first section below are the minimum items necessary to participate in public or immersion events. Legio IX maintains some loaner items for new recruits to use while they are starting out, contact a unit leader for more details.

Basic Kit

Tunica (Tunic — required to be made by the Probatio)
Focale (scarf — can be made by the Probatio)
Footwear:
- Caligae (sandals)
- Calecei (Fell boots, Mainz-Pattern, etc.)
Simple Rope Belt (hemp, maila — not synthetic)

A-List

Cinglium (Soldier's Belt)
Gladius (Sword)
Lorica segmentata (armor cuirass)
Lorica Hamata (Chain Maile)
Subarmalis (Under Armor protective padding)
Galea (Helmet)
Scutum (Shield)
Pila (Javelin — Thrown Weapons)

Unit Help

***You are not alone out there. Come to the fabrica (gear-making parties) which we hold as needed. Many of the members have extensive knowledge is most anything you can make and will help you make them at your workshops!

Legio IX has discount arrangements with the authorized vendor in the U.S. for products made by the Indian manufacturers Deepeeka and Lord of Battles. There are many custom suppliers who make higher quality goods for a higher price (and some make products that are too good for mass produced military hardware). Using the Legio Armamentarium will allow you to economically get into the hobby and getting your gear right!