Disclaimer: Modern notions of equality aside, the Roman army was a male only preserve. For historical accuracy, therefore, THE RMRS currently does not accept female members in military roles.
We are a welcoming and lively group with members residing all over the UK who have a wide range of backgrounds and professions. What we all share is a love and enthusiasm for Roman history.
There are no age restrictions, so any individual or family with children are most welcome to join us. We do ask that those under 16 years old be accompanied by an adult, either a family member or legal guardian.
Members may choose to join the military section of the civilian element.
We aim to cater for a variety of interests, and everyone is encouraged to develop their own areas of expertise and carry out their own research. Help with the latter is always available.
Want to get involved?
The 4th-century CE author Vegetius wrote in his "Epitome of Military Science" that Roman army recruits:
“Ought to have alert eyes, erect heads, broad chest, muscular shoulders, strong arms, long fingers, a small waist, slim buttocks, and legs and feet that are not fleshy but sinewy and strong.”
It is safe to say THE RMRS has no such requirement. We only ask that our members share an enthusiasm for Roman history, our commitment to authenticity, and a willingness to both educate and entertain at the various events we support across Great Britain.
Individual adult membership is £20 per year*.
(Full members are covered by THE RMRS’ public liability insurance when participating in official events)
MILITARY MEMBERS
All our clothing, footwear, personal belongings, arms and armour, equipment, and artillery pieces have been reproduced after extensive research using materials correct for the historical period to be as accurate as possible.
An account of the research and reconstruction of one of our pieces of artillery, the manuballista, was reported in the proceedings of the Roman Military Equipment Conference, and we continue to demonstrate our range of catapults and other missile weapons to academics, for example at the Roman Army Conference.
Our armourers are highly regarded in their field and have produced pieces for museums and collectors the world over. Using these reconstructed artefacts provide further opportunities for our research and the testing of theories.
CIVILIAN MEMBERS
Member of the civilian element are a welcoming family comprising people from all walks of modern life. Each person brings their own unique experiences to add to the wider research on Roman civil life.
Displays and demonstrations of diverse aspects of domestic and commercial life are used to educate and entertain visitors to public events as part of THE RMRS’ outreach aim. Interests range from Roman fashion, manufacturing and trade, food and drink, the gods and religious rituals, engineering and inventions – pretty much every element one might think of in the Roman period.
New members are encouraged to explore and research their particular area(s) of interest, helping to bring new information and understanding to THE RMRS.
THINKING OF JOINING?
Prospective members: If you are resident in the United Kingdom, willing to travel and attend events, and the idea of joining THE RMRS appeals to you, then please complete an online Application.
We very much look forward to welcoming you into The Roman Military Research Society.
Other interested parties: If you want more information on Roman-era history, wish to share knowledge or be published on our Blog, or if you are a researcher or represent a media production company, then please click the link below:
* THE RMRS reserves the right to change the annual subscription fee with the majority agreement of members voting at an Annual General Meeting. Currently the subscription is £20 per person, or £40 for a Family Group.