ROMEC 2025
21st Roman Military Equipment Conference
Brno, Czech Republic, 2-6 June 2025
ROMAN BODY ARMOUR AND OTHER DEFENSIVE EQUIPMENT
DEDICATED TO JON COULSTONS MEMORY AND LEGACY
Welcome to the 21th Roman Military Equipment Conference!
Since its establishment in 1983, RoMEC grew to be the leading international conference on the military equipment of the Roman world, encompassing the period from the 8th century BC to the Justinian period and the territory of the Roman Empire itself plus all neighbouring cultures interacting with the Romans. The conference deliberately addresses a wide range of interested experts, be they professionals or autodidacts, university researchers or re-enactors, archaeologists or historians.
While RoMEC usually takes place every three years, this cycle was broken by the covid pandemic. This means that it has been some years since the last edition. We therefore are very pleased to announce that the next RoMEC will take place in 2025, and will be hosted by the Institute of Archaeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno.
Join us in 2025 for an in-depth exploration of Roman body armour and other defensive equipment. The scope of the conference is broad, encompassing the development, characteristics, and intricacies of various types of Roman armour. This includes metal armour such as plate, scale, mail, segmented, and lamellar, as well as armour made from organic materials like textiles and leather. In addition to body armour, we will explore protective gear for limbs and the head, and the crucial role that shields played in Roman warfare. The conference will not only examine the defensive objects themselves but also their wider contexts.
Topics of interest include their use, supported by insights from experimental studies, and their social, religious, and economic functions within Roman military society. We also aim to discuss the ownership and life cycles of these artefacts, as well as their production and deposition. Whether you are a scholar, enthusiast, or practitioner, we invite you to contribute papers and join in valuable discussions on Roman defensive equipment.
In memory of Jon Coulston
—
We dedicate this year’s conference to the memory of Jon Coulston, a pillar of Roman military equipment studies, that unexpectedly passed away earlier in 2024.
Besides the main topic of the conference, we also invite people to give a paper dedicated to him touching on one of his many areas of expertise.
As always, there is room for papers and posters on other topics, as long as they fall within the general scope of RoMEC.
Organisers
Dr. Balázs Komoróczy
Dr. Martijn A. Wijnhoven
Dr. Marek Vlach
Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences, Brno
Co-organising institutions
Department of Classical Studies, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University Brno.
Department of Archaeology and Museology, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University Brno.
Conference Secretariat
MA Alina Szabová
MA Pavla Růžičková
Institute of Archaeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno
Email: romec2025@arub.cz
Program
Sunday 01.06.2025
Pre-conference registration and drinks
Monday 02.06.2025
Conference registration
Conference papers
Tuesday 03.06.2025
Conference papers
Wednesday 04.06.2025
Excursion to Roman military sites and museums located north of the Danube, such as Mušov.
Thursday 05.06.2025
Conference papers
Friday 06.06.2025
Conference papers
Conference diner and party
Venue
The main venue of the conference will be at Masaryk University, which is located in the city centre of Brno, Czech Republic. There will also be some activities at the Institute of Archaeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, located not far behind the central train station. More details on the conference venue will follow.
Fees and Payment
The possibility to register and pay for the conference will open on October 21ts 2024 and need to be made at the latest on 31st March 2025.
Fees
The fees of the conference are based upon the Eurostat income classification of the country in which you are based. Country classifications defined by high- income and low-middle-income see on the link: https://convegni.unicatt.it/ecswr2023-Classification%20of%20Countries.pdf
| Country of residence | Fee |
| High income country | 230 euros |
| Mid-/low income country | 160 euros |
| Undergraduate students | 160 euros |
Payment
The conference fee can be paid by bank transfer, for which you can use the following details.
Bank details
Archeologický ústav AV ČR, Brno, v.v.i.
Čechyňská 363/19
602 00 Brno
CZECH REPUBLIC
VAT: CZ68081758
Bank: Československá obchodní banka, a.s.
Veveří 111
601 79 Brno
CZECH REPUBLIC
BIC (SWIFT): CEKOCZPP
IBAN: CZ53 0300 0000 0003 2033 7075
Please add the following information to the specification of the bank payment:
Your first name + your last name + RoMEC2025 (e.g. John Smith RoMEC2025).
Jon Coulston RoMEC bursaries – Call for Applications
—
This conference is dedicated to the memory and legacy of Jon Coulston. In his name, approximately five bursaries are available for students or people who are not financially supported by an institution to attend the conference.
Costs covered
The bursary covers the conference fee and (partial) coverage of the travel expenses. In addition, the holder will be offered accommodation at the Institute of Archaeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno.
How to apply
The bursary holder should actively participate in the conference, either by presenting a paper or a poster. Applications should include: the title of the paper or poster; an abstract of the paper or poster; a CV of the applicant; and a letter of motivation (explaining your situation and telling us why you are applying); and an estimate of travel expenses. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2025. By mid-February we will let people know if they will receive a bursary or not. Please submit your application at: romec2025@arub.cz.
Made possible by
The Jon Coulston RoMEC bursaries were made possible by a generous donation from his wife, Dr Hazel Dodge, and the Institute of Archaeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno.
Registration and proposals for papers & posters
Travel
Visa information
Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland can enter the Czech Republic for short stays (up to 90 days) without a visa. Additionally, citizens of certain countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can also enter the Czech Republic visa-free for short stays.
However, travellers from some countries may require a visa to enter the Czech Republic.
Use this website to see if this applies to your nationality:
https://mzv.gov.cz/jnp/en/information_for_aliens/short_stay_visa/list_of_states_whose_citizens_are/index.html
Information can be also be gained by either contacting the nearest Czech embassy or consulate in their home country or by visiting the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
Travel and transportation
Getting to Brno is easy.
Train
For those traveling by train, Brno’s main railway station, Brno hlavní nádraží, is a central hub with frequent connections to major cities like Prague, Vienna, and Bratislava. The train journey from Vienna or Bratislava takes about 1.5 hours, and that from Prague about 2.5 hours.
Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB): The national railway company of Austria.
Website: https://www.oebb.at/en/
RegioJet: This is a private railway company that operates services connecting Prague and Vienna, among other European cities.
Website: https://regiojet.com/
Czech Railways (ČD): The official website of the national railway company of the Czech Republic.
Website: https://www.cd.cz/en/
Trainline: An international booking platform that allows you to compare and book tickets from various train operators, including ÖBB, RegioJet, and České dráhy,.
Website: https://www.thetrainline.com/
Airport
While Brno has a small airport, it does not offer international flights. The nearest airports to Brno are Vienna International Airport (VIE) and Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG).
From Vienna International Airport there are every day two to three direct trains to Brno (through Regiojet). If you are prepared to transfer trains at Vienna main station (Hauptbahnhof), then there are options almost every hour (through ÖBB/Regiojet).
Prag Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is a bit further situated from Brno and does not have a train station at the airport. Traveling from Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) to the main train station, Praha hlavní nádraží can be done in various ways, but probably the most convenient is the Airport Express Bus (AE). The AE bus runs every 15-30 minutes and takes about 35 minutes to reach Praha hlavní nádraží. The bus stop is located right outside the airport terminals, and you can buy tickets from the driver or at the airport information desks.
Car
From Prague there are several route options, with the most common being via the D1 motorway, which connects the two cities directly. From Prague, head east on the D1 towards Brno. The distance is approximately 210 kilometres, and the journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Note that the D1 motorway is a toll road, so you’ll need to purchase a vignette (road tax sticker) to use it. Vignettes are available for purchase at border crossings, petrol stations, and online. If you prefer a more scenic route or want to explore other towns along the way, you can take secondary roads instead of the motorway. These routes may take longer but offer the opportunity to see more of the Czech countryside.
From Vienna there are also several option, with the most common being via the A22 and E59 highways. rom Vienna, head northeast on the A22 towards Brno. After crossing the Austrian-Czech border, continue on the E59 highway towards Brno. The distance is approximately 130 kilometres, and the journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Some sections of the route may require tolls, especially in Austria. Be prepared to pay tolls at toll booths along the way. When crossing the border between Austria and the Czech Republic, be prepared to show your passport or national ID card. EU citizens can usually cross without any issues.
Accommodation and public transportation within Brno
Brno offers a wide array of hotels and B&B’s of all price classes. We recommend not to book at the last moment as Brno is also a popular tourist destination during the summer holidays.
The conference venue is located in the historical centre of the city and the Archaeological Institute just behind the central train station. We recommend arranging accommodation in these areas.
It is also possible to stay somewhere else in the city. Public transportation is excellent in Brno. Paying is as simple as having a debit or credit card. In all public transportation you can tap your card at entering the tram or bus.
Explore Brno
Discover the vibrant city of Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and dynamic cultural scene. Start your journey at the iconic Špilberk Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the city, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the region’s past. Explore the historic Old Town, where you can marvel at the Gothic splendour of St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, known for its striking twin spires and beautifully adorned interior. Don’t miss the intriguing underground labyrinth beneath the Vegetable Market (Zelný trh), where you can uncover hidden passages and cellars dating back centuries.
Brno is also famous for its modernist architecture, most notably the UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat, a masterpiece by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. For a taste of local culture, visit the Moravian Museum, which houses extensive collections showcasing the region’s history, art, and folklore. The city’s vibrant café scene and diverse culinary offerings provide ample opportunities to relax and savour traditional Czech cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking to soak in the local atmosphere, Brno offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure.
Tourist information Brno: https://www.ticbrno.cz/en
Contact
Contact information
The Roman Military Equipment Conference 2025 is organised by the Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences, Brno. The easiest way to contact us is through email.
Email: romec2025@arub.cz
Website: www.arub.cz/en/
Co-organisers:
Department of Classical Studies, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University Brno.
Website: https://classics.phil.muni.cz/en
Department of Archaeology and Museology, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University Brno.
Website: https://www.muni.cz/en/about-us/organizational-structure/faculty-of-arts/212600-dept-of-archaeology
Follow
You may also be interested in the social media pages concerning the Roman Military Equipment Conferences and the organising institution.
Facebook
Roman Military Equipment Conference: www.facebook.com/groups/romec
Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences, Brno
www.facebook.com/Archeologicky.ustav.Brno?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Instagram
Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences, Brno www.instragram.com/arub.brno/ #romec2025
ARMES (The Association for Roman Military Equipment Studies)
More information on past RoMEC conferences, its proceedings (several with open access downloadable PDF’s) and the study of Roman military equipment can be found on the ARMES website: www.a-r-m-e-s.org/the-association-for-roman-military-equipment-studies/romec/