Roman Mainz Cingulum Belt – Deepeeka

The Mainz Roman soldiers Cingulum belt is composed of many thick plates and a buckle of antiqued brass backed by robust leather. The belt has a second inner lining of suede leather to protect a tunic from the rivets. The twin rondels for hanging a Pugio dagger are fitted to hinged plates and a leather cord to tie the dagger is included. The tassets are crafted from matching leather set with antiqued brass medallions – it is removable if needed.

This Cingulum (balteus) belt is replicated from the plates found of a Roman belt that accompanied a Mainz type Gladius. For most of the Roman period Legionaries were proud of their position in society and their ornate belts reflected not only their pride, but also their means that they were able to afford such embellished kit. A good belt was very important to a Roman for it was considered shameful to be seen wearing an unbelted tunic; a sign of low class poor taste and likely both. In some cases Roman men could be ordered to go without a belt as a form of punishment.