In creating the world of The Eagle, the costume and production designers paid attention to every little detail, from masks to make up.
In recreating the Roman’s world, every detail had to be researched and considered. The simple act of a cavalry riding out of the fort raised several historical points. As for the equestrian gear, production designer Michael Carlin points out, “Romans did not use stirrups and their saddles were less heavily constructed than contemporary saddles and subsequently there style of riding is also very different.” As such, Carlin’s production team needed to make gear “look roman but maintain the advantages for the rider of contemporary equipment.” Yet even as the production department accommodated modern needs (and bottoms), the designers strove for historical authenticity. On the saddle and bridles, for example, Carlin explains, “The silver and brass details were made by Hungarian craftsmen based on artifacts housed in the British museum.”