"Roman optio uniforms" Topic

Does anyone have an idea of what type of uniform distinctions would set apart a Roman "Optio" in the late Republic from the legionaries? Would they be similar to a Centurian but without as many awards and decorations?

There is speculation that the optio was distinguished by feathers in tubular holders on each side of the helmet, though I don't think that's 100% certain. Also carried tall staff with a ball on top, probably used for dressing the ranks – link. Otherwise, like a legionary ranker.

GurKan:

Thanks for the interesting link. It would make sense that they would carry some sort of staff (like the vine staff of the centurions) to use to keep the soldiers in ranks and files.

Kyle

GurKhan is talking about ones like the middle guy. Longer staff with ball on end. Probably held in two hands horizontally to push milites into even ranks.

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These are from Prince August, bigger side of 28's

I use Roman Optio figures as Optios.

These usually have double helmet feather thing, which iirc is (inevitably) based on the line drawing of an 'optio' in WRGs 'Armies and Enemies of Imperial Rome'.

Is it right? who knows. I am willing to go with Phil Barkers drawings.

There is no reason why an optio should have more of less decorations than a Centurian, depends how many fights they'd been in.

Don't remember it in AEIR, and couldn't see it just now with a quick skim-through.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the "crest + feathers = optio" identification was popularised by Boris Rankin's 1994 Osprey on the Praetorians, illustrated by Richard Hook. His text refers to helmets found with feather holders, but doesn't quote any evidence for their significance. Some earlier Ospreys show the format without the interpretation.

The Ermine Street Guard follow the convention, but I don't know since when or on what evidence.

romanarmytalk will probably have discussion of the subject.