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Perhaps the strongest civilization in history was the powerful society recreated with Roman Halloween costumes. Widely available in costume stores, by mail order or as rental costumes, these may be historically correct or you can add your own personality to the design with accessories. Dress as a famous ruler of the time, be a brutish and brave gladiator or a spoiled and demanding lady of the era. The Roman Halloween costumes provide an opportunity for expression and for learning.

Information is available to help you create a totally realistic and historically accurate design. You may choose to spend a significant amount or choose replicated accessories that mimic the real thing while keeping the cost at a reasonable level. Many props can be constructed from inexpensive items yet appear historically accurate to the period.

Inspiration can be found in history books and other texts as well as in films. Many people have seen Russell Crowe in the film Gladiator, released in 2000. This top rated Ridley Scott film provides a wealth of visuals from Roman times. A quick internet search will produce a number of sites dedicated to the history and specific aspects of ancient Rome, including the culture’s attire!

The robe is the mostly costly piece of your Roman Halloween costume and is the basic garment that creates the look you want. The popularity of the Roman period for Halloween has made a wide variety of ready-made costumes available in all sizes. The price range varies with the attention to detail and accuracy. Some towns with university students and active fraternities have costume shops where real toga garments may be purchased and such costumes are also available from many rental outlets.

The fighting skills of Roman Gladiators are legendary. These men and their adventurous lives are glorified even today. For a hint of violence or to show off your own brute strength the gladiator may be the person you’d most like to be.

The weapons used by gladiators ranged from Roman style swords and daggers to lances, harpoons and scimitars. They carried shields and are often shown with wide leather bands that crisscross their muscular bare chests. Many of the weapons can be made with simple items such as cardboard and painted to appear “”real”". Footwear most commonly shown are sandals with leather straps or ties wound up the leg and tied just below the knee.

If using metal weapon replicas remember to use caution if you are in someone’s home or out in public. If children are present keep any realistic weaponry out of their reach to avoid childish sword fights that could lead to tears.

Relive ancient Roman times and be as historically correct as you wish with Roman Halloween costumes. The muscled gladiator, famous characters such as Caesar, sashaying nobles or simple slave of this time in history is a way to show off your knowledge of this famous society that fell into ruin so long ago. Edited by Hetsil Protage

Find Halloween costumes on the internet and put on your toga or carry a sword in Roman Halloween costume