The author examines scientific debate about Roman parade armour. So far, no criteria for definition of the Roman parade armament have been developed, therefore parade armament is often confused with equipment for hippika gymnasia. Some researchers argue that there was no parade armament in the Roman army and a soldier's parade equipment was simply his full outfit. However, the author's analysis of Herodian's text and some iconographic sources indicate that it is possible to talk about some elements of military equipment used in solemn processions (pompa). During parades, a soldier's full outfit was used, but it was supplemented with various marks of distinction, military awards, some special items of equipment, such as a short ceremonial sword of Praetorians as described by Herodian, and with expensive pieces of military equipment that were impractical to use in combat. However, at the parade these items were indispensable as indicators of the owner's status.
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