The Decima Legio is a cultural non-profit organization that was created within the activities of the Società Italiana per gli Studi Militari Antichi, proposing to study and to reconstruct the Roman Republican army in the period from the Punic Wars to the conquests of Julius Caesar: a period of just 200 years, but of fundamental importance for the history of Rome and its army.

The period of Republican history of Rome has always been neglected, when not ignored, from the world of historical reconstruction, which is mainly due to the fact that the re-enactment was not born in Italy, but in other countries (especially England, France and Germany) where the Roman army has left the most significant tracks from an archaeological point of view, and iconography, even if only for the imperial period.

Even in Italy the main interest is still concentrated on the imperial period, a period in which, however, the role of italics in legions has become in fact insignificant, with the inevitable loss of habit in fighting and more particularly of the spirit of the citizen-soldier who had formed the cultural foundation and the expansion of civil Roman power.

The reconstruction of the republican period is instead of absolute interest not only for the enhancement and Italian environmental and cultural context, which still today places, cities and historical remains, witness a fundamental period in Roman history and for Italy, but also for a better and more profound understanding and knowledge of authentic Roman civilization.

About Us

The Decima Legio studies the republican Roman army, carrying out and experimenting directly armaments, equipment, clothing, objects and situations that characterized the life of a true legionary of that period. Periodically, the Association organizes study seminars and days of work during which, within the appropriate contexts, we can live and experience  the practical application of the theoretical knowledge acquired and the functionality of the reconstructed ojects.

ACTIVITY

The Decima Legio is based in Rome, but has friends and legionaries in all of Italy; its members can meet at the place of re-enacting events, in Italy or abroad.

It 's an independent group formed by enthusiasts of the Republican and Cesar period, and it is not related nor functional to other groups or associations' activities.

The Decima Legio is organized the same as a real legion, and during the events and experimental practice, seeks to reconstruct the conditions and contexts as they might have appeared in that period, with respect to history, natural environment and the principles of Roman military discipline.

It’s not interested in participating in religious demonstrations or folklore events, while it adheres to events where appropriate space is reserved for teaching, for serious disclosures and for historical and cultural information exchange.

TO ENROLL

To enlist in the Decima Legio, you must be in good health, cultivate a deep interest in the Roman republican history and possess a good dose of self-sacrifice.

There are no comforts and advantages: members sleep in tents, even when it is cold, they eat what a Legionaire of Scipio or Caesar ate, they work, march, do guard duty and fight, everyone from first to last. Therefore we do not recommend membership to those who are attracted mainly from aesthetic (weapons and "uniform") or propagandistic ("...strength and honor...") point of view because they would be disappointed. A serious commitment is required to participate in activities and events, and to abide by the rules.

The individual equipment is mostly made in the legion's factory, and becomes your personal property by paying a mere cost for materials, the rest can be acquired on the market following the specific techniques and suggestions that come from experience. An annual membership fee is required,which covers organizational costs and the establishment and maintenance of public amenities.

For more information, please send us an e-mail to the address below:

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