CASTRA AESTIVA / CASTRA HIBERNA
The re-enactment training facility in Ontario CANADA
EXPERIENCE A BYGONE ERA
Imagine yourself as part of a heavily armoured column of Roman soldiers marching slowly and rhythmically along a narrow forest road. Small clouds of dust are kicked up by your heels. The sun beats mercilessly down on you in-between the shadows, and the humming sound of cicadas rattles off of your helmet. As the sweat snakes along the back of your neck and trickles in rivulets down into your armour, you keep your ears primed for any unusual sounds.
You vigilantly scan the dense brush for any sign of the Celtic rebels that have been haunting the area and harassing your garrison. The weight of your shield may be slowly sapping your energy but not your resolve. You know that it is your salvation in the event of an attack. As the column swings around a sharp bend, there is a sudden commotion to the front, and an officer screams, “shields up” just as a rain of missiles slams into you from insurgents blocking the road. No sooner have the projectiles bounced off of your shield than the order to form a battle line is shouted.
As you jostle into position to meet the enemy charge, your peripheral vision detects a sudden blur of motion. You turn your head just in time to see the forest come alive with painted Celtic warriors hurtling towards your rear and flanks. Will you live? Will you die? Have your officers trained you sufficiently and planned well enough to save your life? Come to the castra aestiva and find out for yourself.
THE ROMAN CASTRA
Each spring, as the weather improved, the Roman army’s campaign season began with the redeployment of troops from winter quarters to fair weather camps known as castra aestiva.
In 2006 Tom Ross hosted a castra aestiva event in an open field nestled amidst farmland and forest. In 2007 a fossa (trench) was excavated and an agger (mound) was formed from the spoil. The next year a gatehouse was erected followed by a flanking vallum (curtain walls) in 2009. In 2010 the castra was fully enclosed, and in 2011 four corner towers were added and ovens were built against the agger. A principia (headquarters building) was erected in 2013.
Today, the castra remains a work-in-progress.
THE SPRING EVENT (CASTRA AESTIVA)
The castra aestiva, held annually each May Memorial Day weekend near Tillsonburg Ontario, is a non-public training event involving Romans and their enemies. It is recommended that new Roman reenactors attend for a unique immersion experience. Participants bivouac in tents (sub pellibus) sheltered inside of the protective walls of a fortified camp.
Activities include typical army fatigues, Roman drill, weapons handling (sword, archery, pila, sling and free arm stone throw), patrolling and (unit) field combat against enemies of the empire. Come, participate and enjoy fireside/battle camaraderie that bonds soldiers together in a physical setting unlike any other.
THE FALL EVENT (CASTRA HIBERNA)
Autumn marked the traditional end of the Roman campaign season, and October marks the close of the Mediterranean to shipping (mare clausum). Imperial troops that bivouacked under tents (sub pellibus) in summer camps (castra aestiva) began preparations in the autumn for relocation to more hospitable winter quarters (castra hiberna) where they were housed in stone lodgings impervious to wind and snow.
In the fall, the focus of indigenous peoples resident near Roman summer camps switched from belligerence and acts of insurrection to the harvesting of crops and hunkering down for the winter. The easing of hostilities with the locals and/or insurgents allowed Roman soldiers time to heal, train, refurbish their gear, pack up, and prepare for the route march to their winter quarters.
The September castra (like that held in May) is a non-public event that involves Romans and their adversaries. Attendance is recommended for new Roman reenactors. This one-day end-of-season gathering at the castra is an excellent opportunity to get re-acquainted with friends and engage in activities ranging from parade square drill and kit repairs (fabrica), to weapons practice, and one-on-one needle-felt combat.
