A Roman Soldier's Furca

How did the legionary soldier carry his supplies while on the march? Today, we meet that tool - the furca. Join us as we explore how it was assembled - and why. Then let's look at all the stuff hanging off it!

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[gatocles]

Gives new meaning to the symbolism of carrying a cross.

[robinharwood]

I’m sure Roman soldiers referred to those things with some very interesting words and phrases that we weren’t taught in our high school Latin classes.

[willscott]

gives a new meaning to pick up your cross and follow me.

[gmssixtreme]

In Romania people in the villages still use the furca sometimes! I had a neighbour that, 35 years ago, used to carry his shopping like that! The word is the same, "furca"!

[davidgiles]

General Marius became tired of his men having to rely upon a wagon train. So, he ordered that all his men carry all they had (on themselves). General Marius then eliminated the mile(s) long wagon train. From that point forward, the Legions became known as "Marius' mules".

[luislondono]

As a neurophysiologist I am familiar with the internal ear’s sacculus (“small sac”), but not until today did I learn what the utriculus (utricle) was named for. Thanks!

[izysly]

You forgot another purpose of the furca, it is a perfect place to hang your armor when you aren't using it

[ScottGrow]

Modern packs are very easy to ditch in a pinch. But I suppose it may require two actions where this furca requires only the action of dropping it.

[FlorinSutu]

3:05 - So, the spoon is foldable. Also, it seems that at the other side of handle there is a little blade for food. Very cool !

[charlesarmstrong]

Definition of a Furca:- What Furca means?
a fork
FURCA, which properly means a fork, was also p563 the name of an instrument of punishment. It was a piece of wood in the form of the letter A, which was placed upon the shoulders of the offender, whose hands were tied to it.

[sedghammer]

Just an awesome video - I'm fascinated by furca and am trying to make a modern equivalent for long hikes and camping. A thought came to my mind after seeing your furca planted in the ground - it kept their rations elevated while camping, keeping them out of the way of wildlife and rodents. This would, of course, also have the effect of keeping their gear clean.

[frankstippel]

Read Marcus Junkelmann: The Roman Legion. He is an experiemental archeologist, who marched hundres of miles as a legionary. Put the shield higher and put the furcra on the edge of it. Makes sense, doesn't it?

[bcarroll]

My mum had one made, especially for ladies. It was called the mother- furca.

[sergiodemartinez]

Awesome job!! Always fascinated with Roman Army logistics!Nailed it guys!

[stolman]

As someone who has carried a lashed triangular wooden pack frame (a roycroft frame) for a decade, I want to try it

[larsrons]

Very interesting and well explained.
Much alike when I pack for backpacking yet so very different and clever.

[TXCannoli]

Wait a second.... I've seen you somewhere... like in the 19th century.... 😀 Great videos both here and CWDD! Roma Victor!

[fredericklockard]

This is twice today I’ve thought about the Roman Empire.

[tullochgorum]

Those guys were insanely hard. They would march 25 miles carrying 70 lbs with a primitive carrying system, and then they'd build a fortified camp before bedtime... Not many modern men who could do *that* day after day on a long campaign. And that's before you have to actually do battle.

[shelldie]

So it's similar to a hobos pack only with an additional stick and more bags
Thanks for making the video