Dolabra
Dolabra (Latin: dolabra,from dolare to chop) - an ancient Roman iron tool used in peacetime for carrying out camp and field work. It could perform the functions of an axe and pickaxe. It is a universal trench tool
Dolabra,Roman Empire. The total length is 515 mm. Found in what is now Austria. 1-2 century AD
Dolabra,Roman Empire. The total length is 515 mm. Found in what is now Austria. 1-2 century AD
Dolabras often had covers,there are finds of richly decorated covers made of copper-containing alloys. They may also have been made from leather.
Bronze dolabra case. Found in Macedonia. Sizes: 9.9 x 5.6 cm. Thickness ~2 mm 1-3 century AD
Bronze dolabra case. Found in Macedonia. Sizes: 9.9 x 5.6 cm. Thickness ~2 mm 1-3 century AD
Bronze dolabra case with glass beads. LVR LandesMuseum Bonn. 1-3 century ADA Soldier’s Tool
The dolabra shows that a Roman legionary was not only a fighter, but also a builder. It cleared ground, cut roots, broke soil and prepared ramparts and ditches. On campaign it mattered for building a castrum, repairing roads and any work that needed an axe and pick in one object.
Carrying and Safety
A cover was not just decoration, but a necessary part of the set: sharp edges endangered the owner, nearby soldiers and baggage. Metal or leather covers protected the blade and allowed the tool to be attached to equipment. Richly decorated covers underline the object’s value and the care given to military property.
Related topics
Ancient military campaigns,Situla,Legionary,Legion
Literature
1. M. C. Bishop, J. C. N. Coulston. Roman Military Equipment. 2. H. Russell Robinson. The Armour of Imperial Rome. 3. Polybius. Histories, book VI.
Fragment of legionnaires with dolabras. Trajan's Column,early 2nd century ADInterested in Ancient Rome beyond reading? Join Legio X Fretensis or explore our reenactment directions.
