Bega tradesman creates Roman centurion costumes

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View Subscription OffersBega District News' complete view of propertyHome/News/Latest NewsBega tradesman creates Roman centurion costumesBy Albert McKnightUpdated September 30 2015 - 4:49pm,

first published 4:00pmBy Albert McKnightUpdated September 30 2015 - 4:49pm, first published 4:00pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyANCIENT ARMOUR: Milton Wicks displays some pieces from his

collection of Roman and Greek soldier costumes, some of which he has made himself. Milton Wicks is assembling his own legion of Roman centurion, tribune and praetorian costumes in his Bega

home. 

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50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperAll other regional websites in your areaContinue The re-enactor has spent countless hours creating about six

incredibly detailed costumes. 

Around six years ago he worked on a Spartan documentary series that was partly filmed around Wollongong called The First War For The West.

"I had bruises head to toe from the battles," he said.

"I must have died hundreds of times." 

As Mr Wicks did not get paid for his work on the series he was given a Roman shield and helmet, so made the rest of the costume himself. 

Since then, using his skills as a tradesman he has made the leather bodies for the costumes, pugiones (knives), four pilum (spears), sandals, scabbards, sword hilts, belts, pouches and 

greaves. 

His latest costume took about 12 months to make, involving five trips to Sydney and back for materials. 

"I'll do a bit of it then get sick of it and walk away, then I'll get inspired and do a bit more," Mr Wicks said. 

It is also a time consuming process to get dressed, as Mr Wicks estimated it took him about 20 minutes to put a costume on. 

However, the effort Mr Wicks puts in to his creations does pay off, as in 2013 he won best man Roman costume at the Beorgwic medieval festival, near Braidwood, with one of his creations.

He has worn his outfits at many reenactment events, such as one at Blacktown, Sydney two years ago where he said there were thousands of people and he could not walk 10 feet without someone

asking him for an autograph. 

Mr Wicks' son Jonathon now helps with making the costumes and the two wear them to exhibitions together.

Mr Wicks is taking a break from making armour, as he is running out of room to keep them all. 

But why did he start making Roman costumes?

"As a kid everyone wants to be an actor and to play games, so I guess it really started back then," Mr Wicks said. 

"[But] someone gave me a shield and a helmet, otherwise I wouldn't have done it.” 

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