Balteus it was a legionary’s belt supporting tunic and sword at your side.
The belt ended with several thongs with metal fittings forming a kind of apron to protect sensitive parts of the body. The belt is the piece of equipment to which the soldier’s personal weapon was strapped: the sword. The belt was the part of the gear that gave the legionary a sense of value and strength. It is worth mentioning that the arrested and POWs were stripped of their belts. A soldier without a belt is just an ex-soldier.
An important source of knowledge about the equipment of a Roman legionary, and especially the balteus of interest to us, is Paul of Tarsus, who in the Letter to the Ephesians calls him “a belt the truth”.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph 6: 14-17)
