Cingulum, Roman Belt, Mainz Pattern, Leather and Tinned Brass

Cingulum Militare, Mainz Pattern, 1st c. AD
Roman Legionary Belt with Pteruges and Tinned Brass Fittings

The piece of Roman military gear known as a cingulum militare was a leather belt adorned with ornamental metal plates and often equipped with frogs (suspension mounts) for the soldier's dagger. This war belt was not only used to hold up the warrior's braccae (trousers) during battle, but was also a display of rank or military honours.

The cingulum was usually completed by a leather apron consisting of several flat strips (so-called pteryges or pteruges) hanging from the belt and decorated with continuous rows of riveted metal fittings. Each strap terminated with metal pendants (pensilia).

This reproduction of a Roman legionary's cingulum or balteus is richly adorned with tin-plated brass fittings. The hinged buckle, the riveted plates and medallions, the hinged pugio frogs and the pendants are all based upon original historical finds from the Mainz area, Germany. The original artefacts are dated to the 1st century AD.

The belt is crafted from sturdy, 2 mm leather and backed with a second lining of suede to protect the wearer's tunic from the rivets retaining the decorative plates. It features punch holes and is adjustable to a wide range of sizes. A leather cord for tying and securing a dagger to the twin rondels (pugio frogs) is included in delivery.

The apron is crafted from matching leather (without lining). Each strap has an integrated loop, so that it can be slid onto the belt or removed at will.

An ideal accessory for Roman re-enactment. LARP, stage or TV/film, this fine Roman belt will make your transformation into a proud warrior just perfect.

Details:
- Material: red leather, tin-plated brass fittings
- Thickness (with suede lining, without fittings): approx. 3 mm
- Overall length (incl. buckle): approx. 134 cm
- Suitable for a hip circumference of approx. 100 to125 cm
- Width: approx. 4 cm (approx. 2 cm at the punched end)
- Apron straps: approx. 41 cm long (incl. pendants), 2.5 cm wide
- Weight: approx. 1270 g

Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.