“When I’m on the field, I’m a simple private, but I’m also the unit quartermaster and unit cook,” he said. “I’m just a grunt who walks around with a sword and shield to kill the Barbarian hordes.
Most people have encountered a Civil War reenactment, Geraci said, because it is the most popular living history hobby, but in Europe, Roman reenacting is popular and is becoming more common on this side of the Atlantic.
Members of the unit will remain in character for the weekend, providing demonstrations each day. The public is encouraged to explore and interact with the camp and artifacts.
“When we’re there, we’ll be in character the whole time,” Geraci said. “So, if someone comes up to me and starts talking about automobiles, I pretend I don’t know what they’re talking about.”
Legion XII has strict rules about maintaining a level of authenticity, Geraci said, to the point that he spent 50 hours just creating the belt for his uniform because there is nothing commercially available that is not “too Hollywood.”
In addition to gladiatorial and marching demonstrations, the group will have a full camp set up with period-appropriate tents and equipment and a display of 1st century artifacts.
The Pyramid Hill Museum of Ancient Sculpture, modeled after an ancient Roman villa, will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to view art from the era, said spokesman Terry Dillon.
Pyramid Hill, 1763 Hamilton-Cleaves Road, Hamilton, will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, for the encampment.
Admission is $8 for adults, $2 for children. For information, call (513) 868-1234.
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