''Loculus'' is a Latin word literally meaning ''little place'' and was used in a number of senses including to indicate a
satchel
A satchel is a bag with a strap, traditionally used for carrying books.Satchel
The Cambridge Dictionary. ...
. Satchels were carried by Roman soldiers as a part of their ''
sarcina
The ''sarcina'' was the marching pack carried by Roman legionaries
The Roman legion ( la, legiō, ) was the largest military unit of the Roman army, composed of 5,200 infantry and 300 equites (cavalry) in the period of the Roman Republ ...
'' or luggage.
No ''loculus'' has survived in entirety although some small portions of leather found at Bar Hill (Strathclyde, Scotland) have tentatively been identified as parts of a ''loculus''. The object is primarily known from illustrations on
Trajan's Column
Trajan's Column ( it, Colonna Traiana, la, Columna Traiani) is a Roman triumphal column in Rome, Italy, that commemorates Roman emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars. It was probably constructed under the supervision of the architect Ap ...
.
The ''loculus'' is thought to have measured about and was likely made from
leather
Leather is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hogs, ...
. It is the right size to be made in one piece from a single goat hide although calf leather is also possible. The bag is reinforced by diagonal straps. In the centre of the front of the bag these straps held a
bronze
Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper, commonly with about 12–12.5% tin and often with the addition of other metals (including aluminium, manganese, nickel, or zinc) and sometimes non-metals, such as phosphorus, or metalloids such ...
ring with a mushroom-shaped stud that holds the triangular flap closed. At the top corners were two plain bronze rings used to suspend the bag while it is carried on a
shoulder pole
A carrying pole, also called a shoulder pole or a milkmaid's yoke, is a yoke of wood or bamboo, used by people to carry a load. This piece of equipment is used in one of two basic ways:
*A single person balances the yoke over one shoulder, with ...
or ''
furca''.
The ''loculus'' was probably used to store rations and a soldier's personal effects.
Reconstruction
There have been many attempts to reconstruct the ''loculus'' for
historical reenactment
Historical reenactment (or re-enactment) is an educational entertainment, educational or entertainment activity in which mainly amateur hobbyists and history enthusiasts dress in historic uniforms or costumes and follow a plan to recreate aspect ...
.
Image: Sarcina detail 002.jpg, The marching pack of a soldier, from Trajan's Column
Image:Loculus reconstruction overview.jpg, ''Loculus'' reconstruction, overview
Image:Loculus reconstruction buckle detail.jpg, ''Loculus'' reconstruction, detail of buckle
Image:Loculus reconstruction reverse.jpg, ''Loculus'' reconstruction, reverse side
External links
Antonine Wall Fort & Camp: Bar Hill, Dunbarton, StrathclydePicture of a loculus reconstruction
Ancient Roman legionary equipment
Ancient Roman military clothing
{{AncientRome-stub