Cingulum, Roman Legionary Belt, RGZM, Leather and Brass

Cingulum Militare, Romano-Germanic Central Museum Mainz (RGZM), 1st c. AD
Roman Legionary Belt with Pteruges and 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 devices) 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 honour.

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

The Roman legionary's cingulum or balteus we offer here is richly adorned with brass fittings. It is modeled on an original artefact dated to the second half of the 1st century AD, now on display at the Romano-Germanic Central Museum in Mainz (Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum Mainz or RGZM), Germany. 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.

The belt is crafted from sturdy, 3 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 buttons (pugio frogs) is included in delivery. The apron is crafted from 2 mm thick 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: brown leather, brass fittings
- Thickness (with suede lining, without fittings): approx. 4 mm
- Overall length (incl. buckle): approx. 134 cm
- Suitable for a hip circumference of approx. 100 to 125 cm
- Width: approx. 4 cm (approx. 2 cm at the punched end)
- Apron straps: approx. 50 cm long (incl. pendants), 3.5 cm wide
- Weight: approx. 2470 g

Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.