Crupellarius
Crupellarii were heavily protected fighters mentioned by Tacitus in Annals III.43 and III.46 during the Gallic revolt of AD 21. Julius Florus and Julius Sacrovir were involved in the movement; Tacitus connects discontent with debts, taxation and abuses of authority. The crupellarii formed part of Sacrovir’s forces.
Tacitus describes men enclosed in iron and poorly adapted for striking. In the suppression of the revolt, Roman soldiers use axes and other means to overcome their protection. This is evidence for a particular contingent, not proof of an invincible gladiator class. The text does not establish a specific helmet, plate arrangement or compulsory use of lorica segmentata.
Modern reconstruction of the proposed equipment of a crupellarius.
Modern illustration of the proposed appearance of crupellarii.
Modern reconstruction of the proposed equipment of a crupellarius.The bronze figurine from Versigny is sometimes interpreted as a crupellarius. The attribution rests on its armour and comparison with Tacitus, not an inscription naming the fighter class. It cannot therefore be treated as an exact illustration of the equipment used in the revolt of AD 21. The replicas shown here represent a modern reconstruction hypothesis.
Bronze figurine interpreted as a crupellarius. The identification of the fighter class is tentative.
Bronze figurine interpreted as a crupellarius. The identification of the fighter class is tentative.
Bronze figurine interpreted as a crupellarius. The identification of the fighter class is tentative.Related topics
Literature and sources
- Tacitus. Annals, III.43, III.46.
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