CALIGAE

Caligula sandals were worn by foot soldiers and centurians. These were flat, thick-soled, heavy leather, sandals with straps across the instep rising from the sole with three bands around the ankle. The soles were hob nailed (brass or bronze) which made them very sturdy and they had an upper that reached the instep. A lattice of soft, leather strips tied around the shins or the sandals were held against the bridge of the foot by a tongue. Bronze or brass nails were hammered through the sole with the nail points to the ground to ensure a firm grip over rough terrain. The toes were left bare. The hob nails pointed to the ground and ensured a firm grip over rough terrain. Normally a soldier bought his own nails but sometimes the Emporer would provide them. On return from successful campaigns the soldiers armed with booty would exchange their brass tacks for gold or silver. High ranking officers did not wear spiked caliga, instead they wore yellow boots with red trimmings. Caligae were worn by soldiers up to the rank of centurion, and came in several types i.e. speculatoria for scouts; equestris for horsemen; and clavata with iron nails protruding underneath for fighting on rugged ground.