“The Roman greatness is a proof of the excellence of their legions.”
—Flavius Vegetius Renatus, Roman military writer. De Re Militari.
The Senate and People of Rome have fought in the SCA and Dagorhir since 1987. We march at Pennsic War, Ragnarok, Armistice, and events across the eastern United States. This guide draws on nearly four decades under the Eagles.
Roman reenactment is living history through combat and culture. Participants build Roman equipment, wear Roman dress, and fight in organized battle scenarios with padded weapons and shields. The serious groups go further: governing by Roman law, holding elections, conferring ranks, keeping records in the manner of the Republic and Empire.
Reenactment splits into two types. Living history groups pursue accuracy: correct armor, correct drill, public demonstrations. Most skip combat. Rome fights. Depending on the organization, weapons are either foam-padded for full-contact battle without injury, or rattan with armor.
Forget stage combat and LARP. You join a team, march onto a field, and fight people trying to do the same to you. Battles run from under a hundred fighters to thousands. The outcome depends on your side’s skill and coordination.
Several organizations worldwide run mock medieval battles. Rome participates in two, detailed below. Warbands blends history and fantasy; the SCA stays strictly historical. Both are competitive team sports. Rome also hosts Armistice, its own annual battle event.
The largest medieval combat organization in the world, with chapters on every continent. The SCA covers all cultures from roughly 600–1600 AD, including the late Roman period. Combat uses rattan weapons and full armor, heavier and more tournament-focused than foam fighting. The SCA runs its own governance, heraldry, and court structure. Fighting is tightly regulated and chivalry is expected. Events range from small local practices to Pennsic War, which puts two thousand fighters on the field. Rome competes as a recognized Roman unit.
Warbands is a foam-weapon combat game with minimal historical requirements beyond “pre-gunpowder.” Entry costs less than the SCA, there is no heraldry or court structure, and armor is optional. Head shots are mostly illegal; shield bashing and rear strikes are fair. Darkon runs similarly in the mid-Atlantic but adds LARP elements with character classes and magic. Rome uses Warbands to train newer recruits in fighting and tactics.
Rome is an organization unto itself. We fight as a Roman unit across both of these fighting forms. Joining requires only a red tunic and a genuine interest in combat. We have loaner equipment for every fighting form and will help you construct or purchase your own gear. Train at Warbands, fight under the Eagles at SCA events, muster with us at Armistice in May, form up for Pennsic War in August against an army of a thousand opponents. One group, three theaters of war. See our directory of Roman reenactment groups if you’re looking for a Roman unit in your region.
You don’t need a full kit on day one. Rome works with you on gear as you join. A Roman soldier carries:
Essential (needed to fight):
Not required immediately, added over time:
| Item | Notes | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual dues | Payable to the Roman Quaestor, set each Consulship | $25/yr |
| Padded shield (DIY) | Plywood, foam, and hardware. Full materials list here. | $40–$70 |
| Padded weapon (DIY) | PVC core, open-cell foam, tape. Full instructions here. | $15–$30 |
| Roman tunic | Sewn from fabric (cheapest) or purchased from a vendor | $20–$80 |
| Event fees | Varies. Pennsic and Ragnarok charge per day; many regional events are free. | $0–$80/event |
| Armor (optional) | Lorica segmentata, helmet, etc. Can be purchased or built over time. Not required to start. | $150–$600+ |
Build your own shield and weapon, sew a tunic, and you’re fighting for under $150. Rome charges $25/yr in dues. Add armor as you advance.
Do I need prior experience?
No. Rome trains its own soldiers. You don’t need fighting experience, equipment knowledge, or Latin. We teach combat technique, gear construction, and Roman history. Show up willing to learn.
Do I need to know Latin?
No. Latin runs through Rome’s culture, ranks, and ceremonies, but fluency is not required. Ave means hail. SPQR stands for “Senate and People of Rome.” We don’t shout Latin commands in the field; a confused soldier is a liability.
What if I’m not near Rome’s events?
Rome runs in the eastern United States, from upstate New York to western Ohio to Virginia. Members travel from California for Pennsic. Outside that range, the Roman reenactment groups directory covers North America and beyond. Roman units exist in most regions, though few match Rome’s approach to governance and specialization.
Is there a minimum age?
Combat eligibility follows each organization’s rules. The SCA and Warbands have youth programs; Warbands admits participants 16 and older. Contact Dominus for questions about younger participants.
What is the difference between a Probatus and a Citizen?
A Probatus is a new fighter on trial. After six months at local battles or two Wars, the Imperator may offer citizenship. Citizens vote in elections, hold rank and political office, and are enrolled in Rome’s rolls permanently. The constitution is not symbolic. Citizenship is earned in the field.
Can I join as a non-combatant?
Rome is a combat unit first. Non-combatant roles exist and matter: camp support, costuming, living history. Contact Dominus to find your place.
The Eagles still fly. Rome wants you!
Submit Your Citizen Data Sheet →Also useful: Roman Reenactment Groups Directory · How to Make a Padded Shield · Roman Vendors & Resources