Roman Military Belt 'Cingulum Militare' for Legionaries

Roman Military Belt 'Cingulum Militare' for Legionaries

A Symbol of Power and Honour

This replica of a Roman military belt is crafted with an emphasis on authentic appearance and durability. It consists of two main parts:

The Belt

The base is a strong belt made of robust buffalo leather, approximately 2.9 cm (1.1 in) wide, which fastens with a simple yet functional brass buckle. Its length of 127 cm (50 in) allows for comfortable adjustment for most wearers.

The Apron Hangers

The most distinctive feature is the five hanging leather strips that form the characteristic "apron". Each of these 33 cm (13 in) long strips is densely fitted with decorative brass studs and finished with a metal pendant at the end. These details not only look great but also give the belt appropriate weight and an authentic sound effect when walking.

How to Use the Cingulum

The Cingulum Militare is an indispensable accessory for anyone wanting to achieve an authentic look of a Roman soldier from the early to high imperial period (approx. 1st - 3rd centuries AD).

• Historical Reenactment and LARP: The belt is worn over the tunic and immediately identifies your character as a legionary. It is the cornerstone of your kit.
• Theatre and Film: Thanks to its authentic appearance, it is an ideal prop for any production with a Roman theme.
• A Collector's Item: A beautiful and iconic piece for any enthusiast of Roman military history.

Historically, legionaries also used this belt to hang their personal dagger, the pugio.

A Glimpse into History: More Than Just a Belt

In the Roman army, the Cingulum Militare was much more than a piece of clothing. It was a visible sign that its wearer was a soldier. Even when a legionary was off-duty, wearing only a tunic and sandals, his cingulum clearly distinguished him from the civilian population and afforded him due respect and authority. Losing one's belt, for example in battle, was considered a great disgrace. This belt was, in essence, a soldier's "identification card," a symbol of his pride and profession.

Interesting Fact: The Voice of the Legion

Imagine hundreds or thousands of legionaries marching in close formation. The sound of their hobnailed sandals (caligae) thundering on the road was intimidating in itself. But another sound was added to this – the rhythmic clinking and rattling of hundreds of metal studs and pendants on their cingula. This characteristic sound became synonymous with the approaching might of a Roman legion and functioned as an effective form of psychological warfare before a battle even began.

Caring for Your New Belt

This belt is made of genuine leather and brass and will serve you for a long time with proper care.

• Keep the leather dry. If the belt gets wet, let it air dry at room temperature, never near a heat source.
• To clean, simply wipe the belt with a soft, dry cloth. For tougher stains, use a damp cloth and mild soap.
• From time to time, you can treat the leather with a conditioner or grease to keep it supple.
• The brass parts can be allowed to develop a natural patina or polished with a brass cleaner if desired.

Technical Specifications

• Material: Genuine Buffalo Leather, Brass Fittings
• Overall Belt Length: approx. 127 cm / 50 in.
• Belt Width: approx. 2.9 cm / 1.1 in.
• Number of Hanging Strips: 5
• Length of Hanging Strips: approx. 33 cm / 13 in.
• Manufacturer: Lord Of Battles®