Cohors quinta Gallorum is part of the Arbeia Society that has been set up to promote interest in the Romans at South Shields. Quinta aims to research, reconstruct and display to the public all aspects of military and civilian life in early third century Britain. It is open to anyone who is interested in this period.

Cohors V Gallorum is Latin for 'Fifth Cohort of Gauls', the name for the Auxiliary unit that garrisoned the fort in the third century. The name is known from inscriptions found on the site, while our emblem (above) is taken from the ownership stamps found on roof-tiles.

Arbeia Society Members of Quinta are automatically members of the Arbeia Society. Please see the Join page for details.

Quinta Activities

See bottom of page for this year's events.

• Meetings are held every month at the fort during the winter, usually on the first Saturday of the month. These meetings are for the discussion of coming events and to provide information to members.
• Sessions are held at the fort (often at the monthly meeting) to practice displays and maintain kit.
• During the summer we appear in public at the fort or at other sites in the region for Event Days, Roman Days, exhibitions, etc. These involve both static displays of our kit – military and civilian – and short active demonstrations of military training, religious ceremonies and other aspects of Roman life.
• Occasional School visits, filming, conferences, lectures, etc.

Kit

All members are required to make or buy the Basic Kit (see below), although the Society does own some items of kit itself – mainly the expensive military hardware such as ring-mail, helmets, swords, etc. We do insist on a high degree of authenticity – but authentic kit is easy to make and help will be given.

Roles

Soldiers (Male, 18 years+)

All soldiers are auxiliary infantrymen and will be fully trained in drilling and weapons-handling, although no fighting is involved.

Basic Kit requirements:

• White woollen tunic • Woolen trews • Brown woollen cloak • Leather belt • Bronze cloak brooch Military Equipment: • Helmet • Ring or scale mail • Spear and javelins • Shield • Long sword

 

Civilians (male, female and children)

Outside Roman forts there were settlements consisting of traders and suppliers connected to the army. This Society stresses the relationship of the civilian population to the military and so has a strong civilian display team. Civilian roles include: farmers, fishers, wives, musicians, shop-keepers, weavers, shoe-makers, etc, etc.

Basic kit requirements: • Woollen tunic or gown • Woollen cape, shawl or cloak • Leather shoes
2010	Quinta will be appearing on the following dates:
Time: 11.00 - 4.00 all events
Saturday 31 July	Segedunum Roman Fort
Sunday 1 August	Segedunum Roman Fort
Saturday 14 August	Arbeia Roman Fort
Sunday 12 September	Arbeia Roman Fort