Definition: Balteus is the Latin for belt and refers to a sword belt. The plural of balteus is baltea. The balteus could be a shoulder belt supporting the sword or a second belt to hold the shield (used in Homeric times). A third type of balteus would hold the quiver. At the imperial palace, there was an officer known as baltearius who was in charge of the baltea of the Roman emperors.
Balteus
By N.S. Gill, About.com Guide
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