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Fectio Index

A shorter version of the Roman Days this year, with 'just' 10 days. But as we were in the middle of an official heatwave, maybe that was just as well. Monday was the first day I could the rest of the Legion, me being a member of II Augusta for the first time. And a good chance for me to get some decent comments about the new kit.
With temperatures as high as 31 degrees, it was no big surprise there weren't many visitors around. Sure, it wasn't exactly empty, but there was ample room to maneuvre, and the seats of the arena were never filled to capacity. Still, a good day to be part of the show for the first time.

Tuesday was a lot better, with a nice wind and some clouds. The public thought so too, right up until the end of the day. The show went well (apart from someone who forgot the mike was still on).

On sunday both of us were able to attend, a nice day for the last day of the event. Very busy, as usual hte public showed up in masses to see the Romans for the last time. After the morning show I had the opportunity to practise with the plumbatae on the field in front of the Roman inn. And even though one broke (as they should do when thrown) it was very succesfull, the darts reaching the end of the field (about 30 m.) with very little effort. The gladiator show in the afternoon was very good, we had great fun.
Some pictures of the last day were very kindly offered by my former collegue Rieke van der Tol and Martijn Körvers from Belgium. I've added them in an orange and grey cell resp. to show which pictures are theirs. Thank you both for letting me use them.

Day 1 - Monday

Signifers and Aquilifers.. 'Scottish' John.

Martin's carrying the vexillum.

Tiberius/Gerard is the Aquilifer.

Dave - grizzled Welsh auxilia.

The milites of Legio II Augusta gathering for the exercition. From left: Simon, Andy, Erik, Hamish and John.

Legionaries, still in the shade: Tim & Gary.

Ross - a happy auxilia.

Last calls, final check of the armour before getting in line.

Graham at the anvil.

The ladies are reclining in the cool bathhouse.

Seth - Killed in the arena..

Day 2 - Tuesday

Gary: Roman cobbler.

Livia getting breakfast.

Looking after the big scorpio is a serious job.

Early morning traffic.

The stalls await buyers: Heather & Zane

The big bathhouse of Coriovallum/Heerlen reconstructed at Archeon.

Hanneke at tablet weaving.

More reclining ladies inside the cool basilica-like bathouse (David's daughter Penny).

Soldiers in front of their contibernium.

After the drill, archery practise.

It's a hit!

Cordus the Cornicus.

Afternoon, and it's forming up for the drill again. Legionaries..

....as well as auxiliaries: 'Scottish' Andrew & Zane

The Roman Army!

PR for the high command: Andy & Lyndsey.

Another fashion victim?

Jokes in the popina..

..out of the rain..

..having lots of fun! Kevin, Pete & Lyndsey.

Royal blood or purple rain?

Tired feet..

Time to dress down.

Time for dinner dad!

Well, that's me.

Valerius is the name.

I can be a bit of a show-off.

Don't mess wi'me!

Day 3 - Sunday

Practise time.

A good chance to use the plumbatae. The guys were throwing javelins across the field.

The plumbata is hurled underarm and has a larger range than any javelin.

Iacite!

This one buried itself deep. One was broken and one bent, as they should do.

A Late Roman shadow looming over a bent plumbata..

The potter's house. ©Martijn

A photo-op just before we enter the arena. ©Rieke

The Legion practises in the arena The man in front with the mike is David Richardson, commander of Legio II Augusta. ©Martijn

accelerate! As always, the loose sand made it very tough going for the Legionaries. ©Martijn

The standards. Carrying the eagle is Gerard/Tiberius. ©Martijn

That's us against the wall. ©Martijn

The thin red line.. ©Martijn

A final presentation of all the civilians. ©Martijn

Including of course the Dutch members.. ©Martijn

A spread of the whole group of civilians. ©Martijn

Livia's clothing stall. ©Martijn

Impressive - Legio II Augusta's artillery. ©Martijn

And a second one. ©Martijn

The games!

Volunteers?

This guy had to be volunteer, I mean, the way he dressed up.

But it has to be said, he was a good sport..

Gladiatrix!

Amazonia versus Alicia - good show.

Next in line is Seth, the champion.

Battle!

Will Seth be the winner and go to Rome?

I guess not.

Steven and Elizabeth.

Life or Death?

Death it is..

And under a great lament (while accompanied by nice music) he is removed.

Chariovalda

Valerius

We're the Fectienses seniores, an infantry unit of the Gallic field army.

We did not bring our heavy body armour with us..

..but I think we're threathening enough as it is!

Dave, a new recruit?

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