Veni, vidi, vici
Translated, the Latin phrase says, ”I came, I saw, I conquered.” These words uttered by Caesar best sum up those crazy Romans in their attempt to conquer the world.
This weekend I visited Castra Romana, a Roman Imperial Army Encampment at Givhans Ferry State Park and learned much more about Rome.
The event started six years ago after Rusty Myers, the organizer, was drafted into a church play. He persuaded his wife to let him buy a real sword for the play and it grew dramatically from there. Now 60 soldiers and civilians are led by Myers at their authentic camp as they demonstrate army drills, fight as gladiators in an arena and teach us what life was like in the Roman army.
Kent Nilsson, of Greenville, showed me many examples of Roman engineering including a smaller version of the cranes used by Romans in their biggest building projects like the Coliseum and Pantheon.
Of course, they were pretty good at building weapons as well. Nilsson demonstrated a catapult called ‘The Beast’ capable of hurling sharp objects at the enemy. He said it was fairly accurate and easy to use.
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam – Latin for ‘I have a catapult. Give me all your money, or I will fling an enormous rock at your head.’
Myers explained reenactors wear uniforms from 73 AD when Rome was under the rule of Emperor Vespasian. This was the height of the Imperial Period when Rome saw growth and prosperity.
I learned an interesting fact about the army uniforms. The belts they wore were made of gold and clanged on their armor as they marched. Myers said the reason the belts were gold was because the soldiers wore their fortunes. Its not like they carried wallets. From what I can tell, they didn’t even wear underpants so its not like they had a lot to spend money on. Why not splurge on a nice belt?
At this point in the blog you are supposed to say “Isto pensitaris?” Meaning “You get paid for this?” Why, yes I do and my belt is quite nice thank you very much.
The gladiators were interesting to watch. The games varied because back in the day gladiators fought prisoners, slaves and other gladiators. The games were usually fought to the death and there were moments in the match I witnessed in which the same result was possible. Wooden swords hurt, too (or at least leave a nasty bruise).
Watching the soldiers demonstrate various marching drills was pretty cool. These reenactors were not going to conquer Givhans Ferry State Park but you get an idea what it was like to see the Roman army march into your town.
Redde Caesari quae sunt Caesaris - Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's. The Romans sure liked to tax everyone but this camp only asked for donations. Myers said they only ask for the donations to offset the cost of the event.
The event was worth the price of the donation to learn about the history of the Roman Empire. The reenactors were very knowledgeable about everything Roman.
The event takes place every year around Veterans Day and Myers says it just keeps getting bigger. You can join the Roman Legionary and take part in history by visiting the Legion XI Ferrata online.
One last Latin term I found before I go, Sona si latine loqueris - Honk if you speak Latin.
Paul Zoeller is a freelance photographer new to the area. Do you have an idea for a new blog or a question about a current blog? If you do contact Zoeller at paul.zoeller@mac.com.
