How to Dress Like a True Roman Soldier

This soldier here, he represents the might of Rome. Don't you, John? Do I? If the Romans thought the ancient Brits were strange, imagine how the Brits viewed the Romans. I mean, the Brits were wandering around in leathers and furs when the Romans were dressed in metal. This is like looking at a dress for Strictly Come Dancing or something. All the sequins have been sewed up. I wouldn't be wanting to try and dance in this, however. Fighting in it is a different matter. It's about ten kilos. Ten kilos? Oh, that is heavy. The Romans were a military machine, a professional army organised, disciplined and armed to the teeth with the latest weapons. And you've got a sword there. Has that got a special name? The gladius. The gladius. It is a short stabbing sword. Yes, of the sort used by gladiators, I suppose. Of the sort used by gladiators. And if it's sticking into the soft bits, twist, fire back out. OK, nice and friendly. I hope you don't get arrested with that walking around the streets here. You've got other things dangling from your belt. Another knife. You haven't killed me with that. If I haven't killed you with that one, I've got this. That's for stabbing into people as well. I don't want to meet you on a dark night, I must say. As scary as John is, I can't help thinking that I'd make a better Roman. Can I have a go at this? Can I try some or all of your equipment on? You'll have to take it off first, I'm afraid. You're not trying the tunic on, though. I'm not taking that off. OK. Once I've got your sword, you'll have to do what I say, I'm afraid. Over my head. Over your head. To the Brits, the Romans must have looked like an army of metal-clad killing machines. You just bend forward at the... Yes. So that's the look I'm going for. I may regret this. If I ever get it on. OK. And then come back up. The cloak? Sword on first. Sword on first. Schoolboy error. OK. Not quite that. OK. Right. I'm ready for all comers.