Furca

Furca was a wooden crosspiece used by Roman legionaries to carry their belongings during long military campaigns. To enhance its structural strength, indentations were made at the junction of the two sticks, which were then bound together. It is possible that the pilum (a type of Roman javelin) was also attached to the longer part of the furka.

Legionnaires with furs. Trajan's column. Early 2nd century AD

The furka served as a lever-like means of carrying a legionary's personal inventory, somewhat replacing the need for backpacks. Flasks, a loculus (a small personal chest), cassidile, and other campaign equipment could be attached to it.

Example of an assembled four-way card

Related topics

Ancient military campaigns, Legionnaire, Flask, Cassidil, Loculus

Literature

• Le Boec Ya. Roman Army of the Early Empire era. Translated from French by ROSSPEN, 2001, 399 p. (in Russian)