When I was young I was homeless, and I saw other homeless that had worn their boots for weeks at a time, afraid to take them off while they slept. When they removed them, they had to do it in stages, as they claimed the air itself hurt their skin. Their feet were raw and infected, and the socks came off in gobs of goo, real nasty. It smelled like death. Infections and cellulitis abounded. The proper care of feet has been often overlooked in history, but it is the health of the feet that has underwritten history time and again. Great video, thanks.
Here in Canada non-profit groups aiming to help homeless people are always asking for socks. In Winter, wool socks -- not the polyester crap which is cold when wet, but wool which stays warm even when wet. Thank you for sharing.
I was homeless many years ago myself and I got trench foot for the reason you mentioned. I always slept with my socks and shoes on and never got the chance to change them out much. It’s really bad when your shit gets wet.
@@PatriceBoivin socks, shoes, blankets, coats, and tents, are the best things you can donate to the homeless besides just giving them food and/or money. I know on that last one people worry about them “getting high on my dollar” but even if that’s the case, so what they are gonna do it anyway and they live miserable lives, most people would want to get high if they lived in a tent and had no opportunity, just a constant fear about being messed with while you sleep, let them get high if that’s what they want I say.
sure, and they did obey, if you squint.... 🙃 one can march barefoot only on well tended garden/grass and paved/marble ground, which are found mostly in governmental buildings and palaces aroud the world. 😆 a bit stretch i know 😶
The boots are most important to protect the foot in combat. Most travelers walked barefoot for the same reason. Even if they owned footwear they would try to avoid wearing it due to their expense. My dad grew up during the depression. They saved their shoes for church. Most of the time they walked barefoot to school.
@@TheTowerMacMaolain You gotta be more specific, since many Celts wore armor. It's the Picts that didn't(tribe from northeastern Scotland). Also the Tolistobogii, but they were Gauls.
Don't forget also the prevention of foot rot/trench foot that the open design helped achieve. Trench foot could take thousands of men out of commission if they were marching in wet conditions for long enough. Open design likely helped keep the troop's feet healthy as well!
@@804_grandstaff yes, it does. Trench rot, jungle rot, etc etc in every conflict there is an example of closed shoes/boots causing horrid problems for the soldiers.
@@matthiasthulman4058 Not just soldiers ;) blue collar workers are supposed to wear heavy duty boots on their shifts. Ask them about fungal infections... You dont have to be in jungle at all. Your feet are enclosed for whole day and you are sweating...
@@metatronyt what would interest me, how would they hold up to today's footwear when it comes to the task of walking A LOT. especially in comparison to modern casual/sports shoes... i guess modern military footwear would be a clear winner, while modern fancy shoes would be a clear loser (when it comes to the task)... not (just) in how long they last, but (also) how long the PEOPLE wearing them on last on average (when marching, before needing to take a break, or something like that)
@@silkwesir1444 i presume that with the weak angles and feet modern people have, there'd be more of a break-in period for the person's feet, than for the caligae themselves, as your feet would have to strengthen and get more resilient, to deal with the lack of shock absorption in the caligae, as well as the lack of arch support.
Another point MT. Boots and shoes with holes in them were common in other parts of Europe. The 'brogue' shoe, with its hole patterns is a modern stylised version if the shoe worn by Scottish Highlanders. The historical brogue had holes, much like a Croc to allow water to drain out of the shoe. Woolen socks would be worn. This allowed wet but warm feet. Until the advent of the rubber Wellington Boot, wet feet were a fact of life for anyone living in the rural British Isles. If you couldn't afford well made leather boots with natural waterproofing treatments like lanolin, wet feet were a reality so embraced, allowing water to drain out was very important. As you say with the caligae.
Metatron, could you do anoher video on the logistics - or the "military industrial complex" of the Roman world? How was equipment standardized? Did it come in various sizes, or was it always tailored to the wearer? Were there blacksmiths and workshops that cranked out mass-produced pieces of equipment? Was there a lot of inconsistency with quality? Were there prefered armorers and could they charge more for their wares? Have any non-Roman arms, armor or equipment been adopted by the Roman military? So many intersting questions to explore!
I would love to hear about how they managed to make weapons and armor on a mass scale, particularly post-Marian Reforms or Imperial days when their legionaries became more professional soldiers than - essentially - large and well-equipped militias of earlier Rome. Did they have large armories pumping out cheap, simple, but effective swords by the day? Or did they more rely upon people having a build-up of extra swords and other pieces of armament they could use while they slowly replaced the old stuff? I'd find it very interesting if we had any idea as to how quickly a Roman armorer could pump out something like an average legionary's gladius. Would they have to make it from scratch so that it could take weeks? Or would they get raw materials from somewhere else so they could potentially hammer it out in a few days?
And at 180€, you are simply not paying for the product, but also for the preservation of the craft and traditions of this historical footwear. And that goes for any of the accoutrements that a person who wears caligae would need. Fantastic!
Having done reenactment (different era, but still in a pre-machine period!) 180 Euros for footwear isn't actually that bad, all things considered. You're paying for the materials, the time, and the research and all the trials and errors that went into learning how to make what you're buying.
I recall that cast off Calligae were recovered in huge numbers in British archaeological digs of the Roman forts abutting Hadrian's Wall. They were thrown in ditches where the wet conditions preserved them. This video explains why they were so common in the digs. They were the worn out tires of a foot borne military. More great work.
Imagining archaeologists: "I found something! … Aw man, just another pair of frickin' calligae." - "We have all been there, young student. Better luck next time."
Curiously, he did say "Bandage your feet". Theoretically, this would mean 'Portyanki' (russian footwrap) This may, speculatively, be a possible origin of foot wrapping. :)
@@Mutski1579 They are definetly similar to the portyanki, though they were worn with different boots, so I'd imagine that during cold seasons they'd use something like wool to keep the feet warm.
From the Vindolanda letters we know that the soldiers in the 2nd century AD wore socks, not just wraps. Because they asked their mom to send them socks and underwear. So obviously nothing has changed in the army in 2000 years. 😎
I’ve wondered for a few years about the Roman roads, being smooth stone, how the legions marching on these stones, how the relentless pounding of hobnail bottomed boots by thousands of marching feet must have sounded. The scrapes and taps must have made quite the noise and the legions probably sang as they went and it probably took more than a day for a marching legion and their associated baggage train and support networks to pass by your house along these roads. The constant noise, the clanging of the metal, horses, cows, wagons, chariots, tools and equipment, feet stomping, singing, laughing, heckling each other, singing, whistling, etc etc. It had to be the noisiest thing the locals would ever experience. Remember, nobody had radio, tv or any other entertainment. So a passing legion must have been extremely entertaining and interesting to watch.
I can say that I'm part of your core audience now and about what I would like to watch next is: a linguistic video! I really miss them, expecially the japanese ones! Take care of yourself Metatron, お大事に！
I believe they have found a Roman street map but I am not sure that they had maps as we know them. I may be wrong on that - in which case the Metatron can make a video about Roman maps, which would be very interesting. Also possible: the Romans had maps but none survived for long enough for modern people to know about them.
resourcedragon the Romans had an accurate map of the Mediterranean Europe and possible Persia India and Han China but there’s lesser evidence for that areas being geographically mapped at this time
@@eternalemperorvalkorion750 I wouldn't call it tool accurate because having seen what the map looked like, the mediterranean etc were actually stretched out and distorted. They knew where India was but hadn't likely mapped it. China seems to have been more of a rumor.
This is the kind of content many of us subscribed for in the first place! Thank you, Raf, for always sharing your knowledge and enlightening us. I, for one, welcome a return to your more academic, less edited or flashy videos. It's much nicer to have this type of informal lecture, accompanied by visual examples, of the subject matter. Almost feels like we've been invited into your sitting room to share a private discourse with our teacher, like the classical scholars or rabis tended to do with their students. It sets a very personal and comfortable atmosphere. Thank you for spreading your wings despite not feeling 100%. Hope you feel better soon.
@@MaaZeus It was from the ancient Jewish historian Josephus' book "The Jewish War" of AD 70, when a Roman Centurion slipped on the marble floor of the Temple of Jerusalem, the studs of his caligae giving him no grip on the polished floor tiles. He was subsequently killed by his Jewish enemies as he lay there, stunned and helpless. 😱
The Asterix in Britian reminds me of the Lindsey Davis novels featuring the Roman informer (detective) in Britian The Silver Pigs A Body in the Bathouse The Jupiter Myth The audio editions are highly entertaining due to the narrator
The Battle of Gettysburg partly took place where it did because the Confederates were hoping to find boots there. They found boots alright. Problem was that they were worn by Buford's men.
As always very informative. I have not come across the videos saying Caligula invented these boots. I first heard/read about the "Little Boots" story when I was an early teen so I assumed everyone knew that is where his nick name came from. Thank you, for correcting it for those who did not know.
1:44 "It was the other way around." The caliga invented Caligula. Ray Stevenson said they were incredibly uncomfortable and asked the director of the Rome series if he could walk around barefoot instead.
What is remarkable is how well designed the Caliage were; they have a very nice look about them and it must have been very impressive to see a fully dressed soldier ready for combat. Thanks for this very interesting videocast.
Caligula was not in Germania as a child to be educated to become a soldier but because his father Germanicus was a general and travelling with his wife and children.
I believe in the video he says "they used to bring him to the front" for the purpose of education, rather than talking about him being "in Germania" in general. Of course he may have been in the region because of his father, but you wouldn't really bring your child to the battlefield without a reason, and seeing as he was a son of a famous general, he would be expected to follow in his steps, and thus it is more than reasonable to assume that he was brought to the front to be educated. Sorry for my bad English
@@trvenvt8265 Your written English is absolutely fine. I just thought to tell you since you offered an apology for writing bad English. It's my first language and I understood it perfectly : )
I actually do love these type of videos where it's about an almost random topic that you never would really think about yet is actually really fascinating.
I am happy you are better! I really enjoy your shows. I am a big history fan and I always learn something new when I what your channel. May God keep you well. I am a fan from Arab, Alabama, USA! Keep up the great work! Sincerely, Elmer Atchley
i have a theory that Caligula was abused by Tiberus when he was a boy. There is a good video on prime: Empires, each episode for each caesar/emperor. And...he was not that bad compare to Nero; but then again it all depends on who writes the history.....
im glad you started talking about moisture around the 8:00 mark. foot rot was a very big problem for armies on a campaign. our feet sweat a lot, and even in cooler climates. if your feet are even just damp for more then a few hours at time a few times a day. after a very short time fungi will take hold. not long after that your solders are not walking any more.
boots could fail in many ways. i think trying to carry the materials needed to try and anticipate what supplies you might need. it was just easier to say "hey boys, your gonna need about three pairs of boots a year...
"How Durable was a pair of Caligae" The one you pictures was relatively in tact, made of leather and it survived in an "Obviously a boot" state after that long.
Fascinating video on Roman boots. One point about the boots being open is there would be less risk of trench foot, caused by fungus, an ailment that plagued later European armies. In some armies there was severe punishment for contracting trench foot, which could be a deliberate way to escape from combat.
From what I've read, the legions brought Caligula with them to the front because they considered him their mascot. Which is why they fashioned a small set soldier gear for him to wear.
Absolutely love this topic! It shows how something as simple as shoes had a huge impact on the military history of something as significant as the roman empire.
I didn't expect a video about shoes to be so interesting. Can you do more videos about clothing? I'm interested in seeing how would they dress for different temperatures like when they go to colder places. I don't want to keep imagining the romans in Britania, Germania or Dacia always with short sleeve tunics. It would be interesting as well how their underwear looked like. I saw a picture of women doing exercise and they looked like they had ancient bikinis. And that makes me ask another question: ¿did they go to the beach? In general. Did any culture in any period of history go to the beach as we do now? I understand sun cream didn't exist but i allways think of that when i see civilizations near the sea
but increases the risk of Frostbite in winter, thus armies that plan to fight in winter today use some sort of Goodyear welt that avoids the use of metal on the soles and heels of modern combat boots. Metal transport the cold on the ground right into your feet. Hobnail boots lead to massive lost of German troops as their Moscow in 1941 and one of the reasons the Germans failed to take Moscow in 1941
@@paulmentzer7658 Hobnails are never in direct contact with the foot. So I doubt that the hobnails increase the risk on frostbite. It would rather be the open nature of the shoe that increases the risk of frostbite rather than a few hobnails. The Goodyear welt does improve water resistance of a shoe (and indirectly decreases the chance on frostbite).
There is a work of historical fiction titled "Household Gods" in which a modern woman trades places with her Roman Era ancestor. Judith Tarr and Harry Turtledove co-authored the book in 1999. There were many little details tossed in, which I found interesting, but I had no easy way to verify which were truth versus rubbish. Then I thought Metatron reviews / debunks videos, maybe he will branch out into historical fiction reviews.
@@patrickbrennan1317 it's my favorite Turtledove book. I actually do hope Metatron reads & reviews it. I feel strange recommending a book of historical fiction to others when I don't know if it's accurate in the history part.
I´m surprised about the actual profile - I didn´t know it was so sophisticated. I remember from my time in school (some 35 years ago) that wasn´t taught back them to this degree. Also, I´m wondering if the Roman Legionaires had to buy them from their own money if they eventually had specialized versions (e.g. cold weather and even different versions for paved warfare. Note different doesn´t mean WITHOUT nails in this case) like modern special operation soldiers optimize their equipment. Considering the professional nature of the Roman military I consider this not as far fetched as someone might think. Maybe someone who knows more could drop a line or two.
Thank you for yet another great video. However I have two questions: 1.Wouldn't you get cold in these boots, providing you are in the cooler climate? 2.When in battle if you get stomped on your foot, it's painful beyond relief and those Roman boots do not give you any protection from that or any other trauma you might get in a fight. So, how useful those boots were in battle?
"They're not sandals, dont ever call them sandals. They're open boots." So, heavy duty sandals? Curiously though, I'd take a pair of converse over these for hiking in southern arizona to be honest. Due to the cacti. So ironically, boots by fabrica cacti are not so good for areas with lots of cacti. Even on rougher trails your feet would get shredded pretty fast, off trail you would die from blood loss before a single days hike was out. They obviously worked well for Europe where they were used though!
I suspect you answered the question of why they tossed boots instead of resoling them. Homemade repairs don't match the workmanship of specialists. They literally lived or died on their feet - it wasn't enough to have boots; they needed the best fitting boots they could get. The smart choice would be to buy from a good cobbler rather than risk nails popping through incorrectly made soles or the agony of marching on badly fitting boots. It's possible that soldiers would have prized boots above some other parts of their armor. Armor is useless if your feet are so bad that you can't fight, Also, with that kind of unrelenting abuse, even the uppers were probably beyond repair or getting close to it.
The ancient Egyptian Ankh seems to represent the the sandal strap of their footwear, the value of which was already understood when the Romans invented the caligae. Ankh is taken to mean 'life', I believe.
I work in the trades and wear out boots on a regular basis. The bottom line is leather just deteriorates. It gets brittle overtime, starts to crack and eventually tears. The question of why didn't they just repair them is simple. The whole thing is leather, and when the leather is shot what is there left to repair? I can tell you that with guys who work on their feet all day, the last thing they skimp on is boots. I am sure Roman soldiers were the same way.
Merriam-Webster "caliga. 1 : a heavy-soled Roman military shoe or *sandal* worn by all ranks up to and including centurions" "Sadal: light shoe with either an openwork upper or straps attaching the sole to the foot."
My experience as a soldier indicates you're right on. Boots last a good while, but the soles are generally unsalvageable. I can further support your analysis that they would value properly made boots. we still do, boots and socks receive inordinate care, right up there with weapon maintenance.
Glad you are back brother! I like your videos. Oh and BTW, this format of video is just fine for me. To be honest, I actually prefer it. You are great at presenting, I find all the bells and whistles distract from your raw ability.
14:55 Bah humbug to that flashy editing crap. This was an excellent video, and I'm not a regular viewer. 15:13 *Train* them to have a longer attention span.
Great video & I'm glad that you are recovering. I've had the flu as vvell a fevv vvks ago & it vvasnt fun. TY for a great historical video on a little discussed topic outside re-enactors. I hope that you'll be fully recoverd soon.
Hey metatron, I was wondering if you know about tattoos in Rome? Did they have tattoos? Did they know about them? And what did they think of them if they encountered them in other groups of people?
Nineteenth century racists believed 'white' people did tattoos and 'black ' did ritual scarification. Modern American basketball players disprove the one and contemporary German dueling scars disproved the other. Sailors and fisherman who expected an unmarked corpse might wash ashore from time to time would sometimes wear clan knitted pattern sweaters in Scotland, so I've heard. After encountering Polynesians, tattoos became common throughout the trade. How strongly did Romans feel about not leaving anyone behind? I suspect they knew about tattoos, but I'm not sure they were ever popular. Circumcision was not.
@@shadowmaster9279 yeah I wondered if they had an indifference to them, maybe a Japanese approach to them, marking people as criminals, or if they saw them as barbaric
@@ASMProductions1997 Crazy nonsense, eh?Under the influence of Greek notions celebrating the human form, I suspect they found them barbaric, but in formerly Celtic lands, maybe they still held favor? I think the SPQR in 'Gladiator' was just a Hollywood fantasy.
@@patriciaalexander6415 they wore socks to keep their feet warm and bake their bread? 😳 Like a steak under the saddle?? 🤔 I must be misunderstanding your comment. 🤷
Fast movement was one key of the military succes of the Roman Empire. So, Yes the Caligae was key factor for the roman army. Also interesting to know, every legionist gets nailmoney, on a monthly bases. THX for this informative video! Greetings from Germany!
I really love those Caligae boots, they look so bad ass and now that I know this fact of the sound they made, those Caligae are a lot more bad ass for me! Amazing video!
Metatron, I know this is extremely off topic, but don't please use antibiotics when you have flu. Flu (or influenza) is caused by virus, not bacteria, so antibiotics don't have any effect on it. Such cases of misuse of antibiotics lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, which is not really good. PS: I don't know your history of disease, maybe your doctor prescribed them to you. But generally speaking you don't want to use antibiotics when you have flu. PPS: Get better, cheers, mate :D
Perhaps there might be a relationship between microbial pathogenic load and health. Reducing bacteria 'might help' the body cope with viruses (viri?), but your point is well taken. Oregano is said to be fungicidal and 'might help' as well. He might try pizza and spaghetti with extra oregano in the sauce. Probably wouldn't hurt. Bono Apetito ( I thtink that's right.)
@@joeampolo42 I get your point, but it has a lot of drawbacks too. Taking antibiotics is like carpet bombing, it really messes with your intestinal microflora which effects your ability to digest certain types of food. Which, is not really good for you. PS: Actually I looked it up, and the plural for virus is 'vira' :D
@@Страус-к3ш That's why I said your point is well taken. If there's any value to reducing microbial load, I prefer something less likely to to mess with the works. Something like oregano or possibly gentian violet. I decline giving anything like medical advice, but a good recipe for sauce is another matter. I don't think gentian violet would work in sauce.
Those look really nice. When I was going through boot camp, I had my first ever case of athletes foot. I attributed much of this to having to constantly wear boots. We were rushed through the showers and generally could not properly dry your feet before you had to put your boots back on.
I guess Another point of them being open with regards to getting wet and the design. After it gets wet it would stretch and the binding method allows the fexibility to tighten and loosen as they dry a bit. This is a problem I had in the army myself with modern boots. Which we offset by carrying a second pair on longer exercises 3 days and up. We actually used to soak our new boots in water. Drain them and wear them wet, which molded them to our feet. Just as they hit around a year old theyd not shrink dry back as quick. But reflecting on that, and the reasons explained as to why Roman boots were open really impresses upon me how brilliant the Roman boots were in their day
When I was young I was homeless, and I saw other homeless that had worn their boots for weeks at a time, afraid to take them off while they slept. When they removed them, they had to do it in stages, as they claimed the air itself hurt their skin. Their feet were raw and infected, and the socks came off in gobs of goo, real nasty. It smelled like death. Infections and cellulitis abounded.
The proper care of feet has been often overlooked in history, but it is the health of the feet that has underwritten history time and again.
Great video, thanks.
Here in Canada non-profit groups aiming to help homeless people are always asking for socks. In Winter, wool socks -- not the polyester crap which is cold when wet, but wool which stays warm even when wet. Thank you for sharing.
I was also homeless when I was young. I'm glad I'm not anymore.
Been there, done that.
I was homeless many years ago myself and I got trench foot for the reason you mentioned. I always slept with my socks and shoes on and never got the chance to change them out much. It’s really bad when your shit gets wet.
@@PatriceBoivin socks, shoes, blankets, coats, and tents, are the best things you can donate to the homeless besides just giving them food and/or money. I know on that last one people worry about them “getting high on my dollar” but even if that’s the case, so what they are gonna do it anyway and they live miserable lives, most people would want to get high if they lived in a tent and had no opportunity, just a constant fear about being messed with while you sleep, let them get high if that’s what they want I say.
The "Then just march barefoot" story is a great example of why so many emperors got stabbed.
sure,
and they did obey, if you squint.... 🙃
one can march barefoot only on well tended garden/grass and paved/marble ground, which are found mostly in governmental buildings and palaces aroud the world. 😆
a bit stretch i know 😶
@LagiNaLangAko23 😆😂👍
Like the phrase "let them eat cake" commonly attributed to Marie Antoinette who ended up under the guillotine.
I think she meant "let them eat pie", as in cow pie. Steamy, gummy cow pie, with a side of bot flies and maggots! Bon apetit!
The boots are most important to protect the foot in combat. Most travelers walked barefoot for the same reason. Even if they owned footwear they would try to avoid wearing it due to their expense.
My dad grew up during the depression. They saved their shoes for church. Most of the time they walked barefoot to school.
Caligula: only Roman Emperor invented by the shoe. Makes sense.
Most sensible thing about him!
and the only emperor in naming consul to his horse
The only emperor that is a shoe fetish...
@Karol Jeske yeah, we can see that depictions in case of Vlad Dracula and Ivan the terrible.
@@christopherellis2663 So brave!
You got to appreciate the fact that the Roman army had a signature marching sound.
like the siren of the germans ww2 dive bombers stuka
I can't tell if OP is jesting or not.
@Legal Vampire victory through fear
Meanwhile the Celts had not even the flutter of a kilt when it came time for battle!
#FightNaked
@@TheTowerMacMaolain You gotta be more specific, since many Celts wore armor. It's the Picts that didn't(tribe from northeastern Scotland).
Also the Tolistobogii, but they were Gauls.
Raph, no need to apologize for not uploading content as often. You owe us nothing, and your content is appreciated whenever it does come out.
Don't forget also the prevention of foot rot/trench foot that the open design helped achieve. Trench foot could take thousands of men out of commission if they were marching in wet conditions for long enough. Open design likely helped keep the troop's feet healthy as well!
😂😂😂 it don’t work like that
@@804_grandstaff what doesn't work like that? Trench foot? Marching in wet boots fucks you feet up dude.
@@804_grandstaff yes, it does. Trench rot, jungle rot, etc etc in every conflict there is an example of closed shoes/boots causing horrid problems for the soldiers.
@@matthiasthulman4058 Not just soldiers ;) blue collar workers are supposed to wear heavy duty boots on their shifts. Ask them about fungal infections...
You dont have to be in jungle at all. Your feet are enclosed for whole day and you are sweating...
@@OkurkaBinLadin pretty gross when you think about it lol
Legionnaires;
Fighter
Architect
Road paver
Bridge builder
Chef
Scout
Cobbler
Muppet :D
you forgot farmer aswell
Mack W. Clerks and police.
@@SamohtNox well, until the years(decades?) leading up to the Marian Reforms.
But not shoemakers.
How could I be interested in roman footwear? Ask this man, he can make anything possible.
Ahah thanks
@@metatronyt what would interest me, how would they hold up to today's footwear when it comes to the task of walking A LOT.
especially in comparison to modern casual/sports shoes... i guess modern military footwear would be a clear winner, while modern fancy shoes would be a clear loser (when it comes to the task)...
not (just) in how long they last, but (also) how long the PEOPLE wearing them on last on average (when marching, before needing to take a break, or something like that)
@@silkwesir1444 i presume that with the weak angles and feet modern people have, there'd be more of a break-in period for the person's feet, than for the caligae themselves, as your feet would have to strengthen and get more resilient, to deal with the lack of shock absorption in the caligae, as well as the lack of arch support.
@@c4call thanks for your reply! it's not useless to reply to older comments. ;) I appreciate your input!
So, basically, you're saying: The Asterix-scene about sliding through the palace in Londinium was historically accurate. Nice!
Get well, Metatron!
Yes
Ah, heck, I've got to get hold of Asterix in Britain! :D
@@Teverell One of the best Asterix adventures.
By Toutatis!
Another point MT. Boots and shoes with holes in them were common in other parts of Europe. The 'brogue' shoe, with its hole patterns is a modern stylised version if the shoe worn by Scottish Highlanders. The historical brogue had holes, much like a Croc to allow water to drain out of the shoe. Woolen socks would be worn. This allowed wet but warm feet. Until the advent of the rubber Wellington Boot, wet feet were a fact of life for anyone living in the rural British Isles. If you couldn't afford well made leather boots with natural waterproofing treatments like lanolin, wet feet were a reality so embraced, allowing water to drain out was very important. As you say with the caligae.
Hey just wanted to say thanks for all your work and sharing your knowledge your videos are always the great accurate and entertaining. wonderful job
You are what History channel SHOULD be, truly educational. You're fantastic.
Metatron, could you do anoher video on the logistics - or the "military industrial complex" of the Roman world? How was equipment standardized? Did it come in various sizes, or was it always tailored to the wearer? Were there blacksmiths and workshops that cranked out mass-produced pieces of equipment? Was there a lot of inconsistency with quality? Were there prefered armorers and could they charge more for their wares? Have any non-Roman arms, armor or equipment been adopted by the Roman military? So many intersting questions to explore!
I would love to hear about how they managed to make weapons and armor on a mass scale, particularly post-Marian Reforms or Imperial days when their legionaries became more professional soldiers than - essentially - large and well-equipped militias of earlier Rome. Did they have large armories pumping out cheap, simple, but effective swords by the day? Or did they more rely upon people having a build-up of extra swords and other pieces of armament they could use while they slowly replaced the old stuff? I'd find it very interesting if we had any idea as to how quickly a Roman armorer could pump out something like an average legionary's gladius. Would they have to make it from scratch so that it could take weeks? Or would they get raw materials from somewhere else so they could potentially hammer it out in a few days?
Good questions.
And at 180€, you are simply not paying for the product, but also for the preservation of the craft and traditions of this historical footwear. And that goes for any of the accoutrements that a person who wears caligae would need.
Fantastic!
Having done reenactment (different era, but still in a pre-machine period!) 180 Euros for footwear isn't actually that bad, all things considered. You're paying for the materials, the time, and the research and all the trials and errors that went into learning how to make what you're buying.
@@Teverell thats a price normal mass produced off the shelf fashionable bullshit shoes cost nowadays anyway.
I recall that cast off Calligae were recovered in huge numbers in British archaeological digs of the Roman forts abutting Hadrian's Wall. They were thrown in ditches where the wet conditions preserved them. This video explains why they were so common in the digs. They were the worn out tires of a foot borne military. More great work.
Imagining archaeologists:
"I found something! … Aw man, just another pair of frickin' calligae."
- "We have all been there, young student. Better luck next time."
So... since they're technically not sandals, socks are okay? :D
Curiously, he did say "Bandage your feet".
Theoretically, this would mean 'Portyanki' (russian footwrap)
This may, speculatively, be a possible origin of foot wrapping. :)
Socks are always ok with sandals.. as long as u ain't thonging
@@Mutski1579 They are definetly similar to the portyanki, though they were worn with different boots, so I'd imagine that during cold seasons they'd use something like wool to keep the feet warm.
From the Vindolanda letters we know that the soldiers in the 2nd century AD wore socks, not just wraps. Because they asked their mom to send them socks and underwear. So obviously nothing has changed in the army in 2000 years. 😎
Technically they are sandals.
I’ve wondered for a few years about the Roman roads, being smooth stone, how the legions marching on these stones, how the relentless pounding of hobnail bottomed boots by thousands of marching feet must have sounded. The scrapes and taps must have made quite the noise and the legions probably sang as they went and it probably took more than a day for a marching legion and their associated baggage train and support networks to pass by your house along these roads. The constant noise, the clanging of the metal, horses, cows, wagons, chariots, tools and equipment, feet stomping, singing, laughing, heckling each other, singing, whistling, etc etc. It had to be the noisiest thing the locals would ever experience. Remember, nobody had radio, tv or any other entertainment. So a passing legion must have been extremely entertaining and interesting to watch.
Please do a video on roman army builders, it's always said they were 'builders' but that required detailed knowledge and training
I can say that I'm part of your core audience now and about what I would like to watch next is: a linguistic video! I really miss them, expecially the japanese ones!
Take care of yourself Metatron, お大事に！
So if a Roman soldier looked at a map of Italy, did he say "That looks like a Caligae?"
These caligae are made for stompin´!
Not. Cose don't have heells
I believe they have found a Roman street map but I am not sure that they had maps as we know them. I may be wrong on that - in which case the Metatron can make a video about Roman maps, which would be very interesting.
Also possible: the Romans had maps but none survived for long enough for modern people to know about them.
resourcedragon the Romans had an accurate map of the Mediterranean Europe and possible Persia India and Han China but there’s lesser evidence for that areas being geographically mapped at this time
@@eternalemperorvalkorion750 I wouldn't call it tool accurate because having seen what the map looked like, the mediterranean etc were actually stretched out and distorted. They knew where India was but hadn't likely mapped it. China seems to have been more of a rumor.
This is the kind of content many of us subscribed for in the first place!
Thank you, Raf, for always sharing your knowledge and enlightening us.
I, for one, welcome a return to your more academic, less edited or flashy videos. It's much nicer to have this type of informal lecture, accompanied by visual examples, of the subject matter. Almost feels like we've been invited into your sitting room to share a private discourse with our teacher, like the classical scholars or rabis tended to do with their students. It sets a very personal and comfortable atmosphere.
Thank you for spreading your wings despite not feeling 100%. Hope you feel better soon.
9:06: So the Roman Centurion sliding all across the palace's floor in "Asterix in Britain" is in fact historically accurate :p
When Raph was describing the event my first thought also was that this is like something straight from the Asterix and Obelix comics. 😂
@@MaaZeus
It was from the ancient Jewish historian Josephus' book "The Jewish War" of AD 70, when a Roman Centurion slipped on the marble floor of the Temple of Jerusalem, the studs of his caligae giving him no grip on the polished floor tiles. He was subsequently killed by his Jewish enemies as he lay there, stunned and helpless. 😱
@@SNP-1999 I did think that sounded like Josephus! Thanks for narrowing it right down, though! :D
When sliding in her DM’s goes wrong.
The Asterix in Britian reminds me of the Lindsey Davis novels featuring the Roman informer (detective) in Britian
The Silver Pigs
A Body in the Bathouse
The Jupiter Myth
The audio editions are highly entertaining due to the narrator
Glad you’re feeling better. This was great, I love the stuff more for the history buffs.
Boots are almost more important than weapons for any army.
@Krzysztof Milański well to be fair you use your shoes way more than your weapon ;)
an army full of enfected feet wont be capable of any tactics,
aside from being the bait of a bigger healthier army hiding back.
The Battle of Gettysburg partly took place where it did because the Confederates were hoping to find boots there. They found boots alright. Problem was that they were worn by Buford's men.
Sandles are just as important!
If you lose your weapon, your nice boots will help you run
Speedy recovery and thank you for a well presented informative bit of history 👍
As always very informative. I have not come across the videos saying Caligula invented these boots. I first heard/read about the "Little Boots" story when I was an early teen so I assumed everyone knew that is where his nick name came from. Thank you, for correcting it for those who did not know.
1:44 "It was the other way around." The caliga invented Caligula.
Ray Stevenson said they were incredibly uncomfortable and asked the director of the Rome series if he could walk around barefoot instead.
What is remarkable is how well designed the Caliage were; they have a very nice look about them and it must have been very impressive to see a fully dressed soldier ready for combat. Thanks for this very interesting videocast.
Caligula was not in Germania as a child to be educated to become a soldier but because his father Germanicus was a general and travelling with his wife and children.
I believe in the video he says "they used to bring him to the front" for the purpose of education, rather than talking about him being "in Germania" in general. Of course he may have been in the region because of his father, but you wouldn't really bring your child to the battlefield without a reason, and seeing as he was a son of a famous general, he would be expected to follow in his steps, and thus it is more than reasonable to assume that he was brought to the front to be educated.
Sorry for my bad English
@@trvenvt8265 Your written English is absolutely fine. I just thought to tell you since you offered an apology for writing bad English. It's my first language and I understood it perfectly : )
@@Halfdanr_H Thank you! It means a lot to me to get such a compliment from a native speaker.
@@trvenvt8265 Germanicus was a bit more than just a famous general, he was also the nephew(?) of Tiberius(?) and was the next in line to the throne.
@@trvenvt8265 i guess u're italian 😁
I actually do love these type of videos where it's about an almost random topic that you never would really think about yet is actually really fascinating.
Glad your feeling a bit better mate.
Hope you recover fully soon, thoroughly enjoyed this type of video
Sweet! New Metatron video. Sorry to hear you were not feeling well and very glad your doing better.
i would love some more quick simple specialized history dumps like this
Glad you are feeling better Raf
Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here!?
Do you know why this guys videos are so awesome? It’s because you can tell he really loves talking about what he’s doing his videos on!
Well thanks for the cool video. Alot of good information.
Hope you feel 100% soon, we need our Metatron.
I enjoy your videos. Apart from these being accurate, your English diction is far better than many British TV presenters
Here we go. Now, this is the Metatron content I know and love.
I am happy you are better! I really enjoy your shows. I am a big history fan and I always learn something new when I what your channel. May God keep you well.
I am a fan from Arab, Alabama, USA! Keep up the great work! Sincerely, Elmer Atchley
Why were they open? Because Romans liked small stones in their shoes when marching.
Thats how hard men are produced...
@@nihilisticmonkeydancing9806 That and sandpaper toilet paper after chili night.
Those Romans weren't hard. Hard men have their hobnails INSIDE their caligae!
@@mandolinic Real hard men don't wear caligae but bare feet with hobnails.
Stinky feet are not happy feet.
Thank you for your excellent explanation of where the term "little boots" came from! I pray you get better soon!
In Spain there's an expression: "Mas liado que la pata de un romano" wich means "more tangled than a roman's foot"
Clever! Me gusta!
I’d really love a pair of those dark brown ones in the middle. I love hand crafted old timey shoes.
"Its actually the other way around."
You mean Caligula was invented by a sandal? This... Explains a lot.
@Saksham lal open boot = sandal
i have a theory that Caligula was abused by Tiberus when he was a boy. There is a good video on prime: Empires, each episode for each caesar/emperor. And...he was not that bad compare to Nero; but then again it all depends on who writes the history.....
@@mativit5301 I heard he started out ok then got sick and went crazy afterwards.
@@huntclanhunt9697 Meningitis ? ? Possibly
im glad you started talking about moisture around the 8:00 mark. foot rot was a very big problem for armies on a campaign. our feet sweat a lot, and even in cooler climates. if your feet are even just damp for more then a few hours at time a few times a day. after a very short time fungi will take hold. not long after that your solders are not walking any more.
boots could fail in many ways. i think trying to carry the materials needed to try and anticipate what supplies you might need. it was just easier to say "hey boys, your gonna need about three pairs of boots a year...
It never occurred to me before, but I bet superior footwear was a major benefit on the battlefield.
You are AMAZING! The closest thing to an ancient Roman walking around in the modern time. So knowledgeable about Roman history!
Being a Legionnaire must’ve been so cool since you had a well rounded knowledge of many jobs.
+ they get to kill, rape and pillage and they got paid for it
Not to mention being a literal human pack mule when marching, plus rebuilding forts on a daily basis.
@@Tugela60 and probably dying stabbed in the throat or something like that haha i still admire romans so much tho
Glad to hear your feeling better, get well soon!
"How Durable was a pair of Caligae"
The one you pictures was relatively in tact, made of leather and it survived in an "Obviously a boot" state after that long.
Fascinating video on Roman boots. One point about the boots being open is there would be less risk of trench foot, caused by fungus, an ailment that plagued later European armies. In some armies there was severe punishment for contracting trench foot, which could be a deliberate way to escape from combat.
"What's this, then?"
"It says: Romans, don't kick me in the shins!"
"No, it doesn't...!"
Romani ite domum
From what I've read, the legions brought Caligula with them to the front because they considered him their mascot. Which is why they fashioned a small set soldier gear for him to wear.
Love your vids, my boy! Be well!
Love the correct pronunciations. Adds a whole dimension to little boots.
I like how you can see that they are used (mud and grass between the nails) 😀👍
Engaging narration backed by cohesive details! I like this channel!
Thank you for the history lesson, love the way you pronounce the emperors names.
Absolutely love this topic! It shows how something as simple as shoes had a huge impact on the military history of something as significant as the roman empire.
I didn't expect a video about shoes to be so interesting.
Can you do more videos about clothing?
I'm interested in seeing how would they dress for different temperatures like when they go to colder places. I don't want to keep imagining the romans in Britania, Germania or Dacia always with short sleeve tunics.
It would be interesting as well how their underwear looked like. I saw a picture of women doing exercise and they looked like they had ancient bikinis. And that makes me ask another question: ¿did they go to the beach? In general. Did any culture in any period of history go to the beach as we do now? I understand sun cream didn't exist but i allways think of that when i see civilizations near the sea
Seconded, I think that would make some very interesting videos.
Thank you! Very helpful in understanding the lowly but quite important caligae.
The hobnails also improves the lifetime of the soles on hardened roads
but increases the risk of Frostbite in winter, thus armies that plan to fight in winter today use some sort of Goodyear welt that avoids the use of metal on the soles and heels of modern combat boots. Metal transport the cold on the ground right into your feet. Hobnail boots lead to massive lost of German troops as their Moscow in 1941 and one of the reasons the Germans failed to take Moscow in 1941
@@paulmentzer7658 Hobnails are never in direct contact with the foot. So I doubt that the hobnails increase the risk on frostbite. It would rather be the open nature of the shoe that increases the risk of frostbite rather than a few hobnails.
The Goodyear welt does improve water resistance of a shoe (and indirectly decreases the chance on frostbite).
Loved the video, hope you get well and feel better soon.
There is a work of historical fiction titled "Household Gods" in which a modern woman trades places with her Roman Era ancestor. Judith Tarr and Harry Turtledove co-authored the book in 1999.
There were many little details tossed in, which I found interesting, but I had no easy way to verify which were truth versus rubbish. Then I thought Metatron reviews / debunks videos, maybe he will branch out into historical fiction reviews.
equesdeventusoccasus I read that book so funny that she wanted a simpler life be careful what you wish for
@@patrickbrennan1317 it's my favorite Turtledove book. I actually do hope Metatron reads & reviews it. I feel strange recommending a book of historical fiction to others when I don't know if it's accurate in the history part.
This made me look up historical reenactment of marching roman soldiers and yes, the sound is very distinct.
I´m surprised about the actual profile - I didn´t know it was so sophisticated. I remember from my time in school (some 35 years ago) that wasn´t taught back them to this degree.
Also, I´m wondering if the Roman Legionaires had to buy them from their own money if they eventually had specialized versions (e.g. cold weather and even different versions for paved warfare. Note different doesn´t mean WITHOUT nails in this case) like modern special operation soldiers optimize their equipment. Considering the professional nature of the Roman military I consider this not as far fetched as someone might think.
Maybe someone who knows more could drop a line or two.
Thank you for yet another great video.
However I have two questions:
1.Wouldn't you get cold in these boots, providing you are in the cooler climate?
2.When in battle if you get stomped on your foot, it's painful beyond relief and those Roman boots do not give you any protection from that or any other trauma you might get in a fight. So, how useful those boots were in battle?
"They're not sandals, dont ever call them sandals. They're open boots." So, heavy duty sandals? Curiously though, I'd take a pair of converse over these for hiking in southern arizona to be honest. Due to the cacti. So ironically, boots by fabrica cacti are not so good for areas with lots of cacti. Even on rougher trails your feet would get shredded pretty fast, off trail you would die from blood loss before a single days hike was out. They obviously worked well for Europe where they were used though!
Very interesting. Glad you're feeling better.
I suspect you answered the question of why they tossed boots instead of resoling them. Homemade repairs don't match the workmanship of specialists. They literally lived or died on their feet - it wasn't enough to have boots; they needed the best fitting boots they could get. The smart choice would be to buy from a good cobbler rather than risk nails popping through incorrectly made soles or the agony of marching on badly fitting boots.
It's possible that soldiers would have prized boots above some other parts of their armor. Armor is useless if your feet are so bad that you can't fight,
Also, with that kind of unrelenting abuse, even the uppers were probably beyond repair or getting close to it.
The ancient Egyptian Ankh seems to represent the the sandal strap of their footwear, the value of which was already understood when the Romans invented the caligae. Ankh is taken to mean 'life', I believe.
I work in the trades and wear out boots on a regular basis. The bottom line is leather just deteriorates. It gets brittle overtime, starts to crack and eventually tears. The question of why didn't they just repair them is simple. The whole thing is leather, and when the leather is shot what is there left to repair?
I can tell you that with guys who work on their feet all day, the last thing they skimp on is boots. I am sure Roman soldiers were the same way.
@@Sphere723 Exactly.
Merriam-Webster "caliga. 1 : a heavy-soled Roman military shoe or *sandal* worn by all ranks up to and including centurions"
"Sadal: light shoe with either an openwork upper or straps attaching the sole to the foot."
My experience as a soldier indicates you're right on. Boots last a good while, but the soles are generally unsalvageable. I can further support your analysis that they would value properly made boots. we still do, boots and socks receive inordinate care, right up there with weapon maintenance.
Glad you are back brother! I like your videos.
Oh and BTW, this format of video is just fine for me.
To be honest, I actually prefer it. You are great at presenting, I find all the bells and whistles distract from your raw ability.
Thanks I'll keep It in mind :)
14:55 Bah humbug to that flashy editing crap. This was an excellent video, and I'm not a regular viewer.
15:13 *Train* them to have a longer attention span.
Great video & I'm glad that you are recovering. I've had the flu as vvell a fevv vvks ago & it vvasnt fun. TY for a great historical video on a little discussed topic outside re-enactors. I hope that you'll be fully recoverd soon.
Hey metatron, I was wondering if you know about tattoos in Rome? Did they have tattoos? Did they know about them? And what did they think of them if they encountered them in other groups of people?
I know that they knew of them but I dont know if they had tattoos or what they thought of them...
Nineteenth century racists believed 'white' people did tattoos and 'black ' did ritual scarification. Modern American basketball players disprove the one and contemporary German dueling scars disproved the other. Sailors and fisherman who expected an unmarked corpse might wash ashore from time to time would sometimes wear clan knitted pattern sweaters in Scotland, so I've heard. After encountering Polynesians, tattoos became common throughout the trade. How strongly did Romans feel about not leaving anyone behind? I suspect they knew about tattoos, but I'm not sure they were ever popular. Circumcision was not.
@@shadowmaster9279 yeah I wondered if they had an indifference to them, maybe a Japanese approach to them, marking people as criminals, or if they saw them as barbaric
@@joeampolo42 amazing what racist people can believe eh?
@@ASMProductions1997 Crazy nonsense, eh?Under the influence of Greek notions celebrating the human form, I suspect they found them barbaric, but in formerly Celtic lands, maybe they still held favor? I think the SPQR in 'Gladiator' was just a Hollywood fantasy.
Thanks for the video even though you weren't feeling 100%! I hope you feel better soon!
Thanks mate!
Did the romans also wrap their feet to avoid abrasion for long marches?
Xarias Fury I once read RomanS wore socks under their sandals in cold weather and to bake their own bread too, after they had fortified their camp!
@@patriciaalexander6415 they wore socks to keep their feet warm and bake their bread? 😳 Like a steak under the saddle?? 🤔 I must be misunderstanding your comment. 🤷
I LOVE my Caligae!
I use them as many times as I can. So VERY comfortable. Got used to the slipping about on a smooth floor surface.
Ave Caesar!
Imagine the entire army wearing fluorescent Crocs.
😂
Glad to see you back and a really interesting video.
Stepping on to the basketball court....wearing my Air Caligulas!
Fast movement was one key of the military succes of the Roman Empire. So, Yes the Caligae was key factor for the roman army. Also interesting to know, every legionist gets nailmoney, on a monthly bases. THX for this informative video! Greetings from Germany!
I made Roman outfit when I was four, I had sandals. Mostly lack of research, the internet didn't exist.
I’m glad you’re feeling better!
"Talk about joining the army for the booty." Ha, good stuff man 😂
Great video, very informative.
Thanks :D
Thanks for the video and hope you continue to get better.
Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, Princeps of Rome and god of the Roman people must make his presence known and make his horse a consul.
Hail Incitatus! Hail!
I really love those Caligae boots, they look so bad ass and now that I know this fact of the sound they made, those Caligae are a lot more bad ass for me! Amazing video!
#Notificationsquad
I love these kinds of semi-obscure facts👌🏻
me to I love it
Me 3 its good to know
This is interesting and so well described. He’s like a teacher that the pupils really learn from.
I am a school teacher :D
Metatron, I know this is extremely off topic, but don't please use antibiotics when you have flu. Flu (or influenza) is caused by virus, not bacteria, so antibiotics don't have any effect on it. Such cases of misuse of antibiotics lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, which is not really good.
PS: I don't know your history of disease, maybe your doctor prescribed them to you. But generally speaking you don't want to use antibiotics when you have flu.
PPS: Get better, cheers, mate :D
Perhaps there might be a relationship between microbial pathogenic load and health. Reducing bacteria 'might help' the body cope with viruses (viri?), but your point is well taken. Oregano is said to be fungicidal and 'might help' as well. He might try pizza and spaghetti with extra oregano in the sauce. Probably wouldn't hurt. Bono Apetito ( I thtink that's right.)
@@joeampolo42 I get your point, but it has a lot of drawbacks too. Taking antibiotics is like carpet bombing, it really messes with your intestinal microflora which effects your ability to digest certain types of food. Which, is not really good for you.
PS: Actually I looked it up, and the plural for virus is 'vira' :D
@@Страус-к3ш That's why I said your point is well taken. If there's any value to reducing microbial load, I prefer something less likely to to mess with the works. Something like oregano or possibly gentian violet. I decline giving anything like medical advice, but a good recipe for sauce is another matter. I don't think gentian violet would work in sauce.
@@joeampolo42 Well I don't know much about italian sauces xD Anyways, thanks for the conversation, kind sir *bows*
Many doctors call anti virus medication antibiotics.
I'm impressed with your command of the subject and language. Very interesting.
What if they were marching in snow?
Those look really nice. When I was going through boot camp, I had my first ever case of athletes foot. I attributed much of this to having to constantly wear boots. We were rushed through the showers and generally could not properly dry your feet before you had to put your boots back on.
four people disliking the vid:...
Me: Taste my boot!
Oooow, keep those gross sandles away from me!
I guess Another point of them being open with regards to getting wet and the design. After it gets wet it would stretch and the binding method allows the fexibility to tighten and loosen as they dry a bit. This is a problem I had in the army myself with modern boots. Which we offset by carrying a second pair on longer exercises 3 days and up.
We actually used to soak our new boots in water. Drain them and wear them wet, which molded them to our feet. Just as they hit around a year old theyd not shrink dry back as quick.
But reflecting on that, and the reasons explained as to why Roman boots were open really impresses upon me how brilliant the Roman boots were in their day
When are you going to do a review of the Battle of Winterfell...?
Fascinating video, I love this historical minutia type of stuff, thank you. Feel better soon.
Love your Roman history videos, Is It true that ancient romans wore thongs as underware?
Happy to hear you are feeling better