Republic Military Reenactment

[Tiberius Cilnius Maecenas]

Question for reenactors.

Why do so many groups depict the imperial era?

The Republican era seems like the golden age of the Roman military. The era after the Marian reforms. This is when the empire was won and consolidated and when the most famous civil wars occurred.

Why isn't this period more commonly reenacted? I hope the Roman Republic can promote such depictions and groups in the year ahead.

[Marcus Aurelius Seianus]

Sal Maecenas

Your question is a good one and easily answered. Cost. The Imperial era is far more popular in terms of the general populace, so manufacturers make bulk Imperial gear, but generally of poorer quality. Conversely, Republic era gear tends to be of higher quality, limited numbers, and higher quality. Sadly, when the general populace think of the Legions, they think Gladiator (which didn't even get the armor right). Brass (which is incorrect but easier to get) Montefortino helmets usually cost between 300-500 dollars, while a steel (again, incorrect) Gallic G helmet runs about 180.