ARMOR

Throughout the centuries the Roman military changed and updated the armor that the standard soldier used in battle.  Historically soldiers had to provide all of their armor and weapons early one, but as the years went by the policies changed.  During the late Republic and most of the Empire the soldiers were issued their armor and weapons (similar to today’s military).  A standard Legionary would wear a helmet, chest piece, belt, and in some cases leg/wrist guards.

The standard issue for first century Legionary was either the Gallic or Italic style helmets.  Both have similar designs, with the exceptions of the neck and cheek guards.  The Gallic styles were the standard issue on more of the frontier Legions.  The Gallic G or H would be been common for Legionary of our unit to have worn.  Deepeeka is one of the best sources for the helmet styles.  Below are pictures of a Gallic G and H (the big difference being the slope of the neckguard:

When it came to chest armor the Romans employed multiple types of armor.  The most notable of these was the segmented armor commonly referred to as lorica segmentata.  This armor was made of overlapping metal plates and a stronger “football pads” style shoulder protection.  The other was a chain mail vest that the Romans called the lorica hamata.  Segmented armor was first seen at the turn of the century (around 10AD), and from then on it was standard issue for most of the Empire.  Chain mail was mostly worn by either officers (Centurions) or Auxiliary units. 

The Corbridge A or B Lorica Segmentata was the common style used historically by Legion XXII during the first and part of the second century.  Below is a picture of a Corbridge style segmented armor:

Belt:  The military belt does offer some protection to the groin for its wearer.  Its main function however seems to be more symbolic.  It is constructed of a stiff leather belt with buckle to which either pressed or cast metal plates are riveted.  From this support an apron of leather strips is hung and again fancy metal studs and ending finials are attached.  It was common that the more affluent soldiers would spend money to upgrade their belt with fancier and more costly studs and plates.  Below is a picture of a belt common to LEGXXII PR.