Table of Contents
Did the Romans use chain mail?
The Romans used three types of body armour: a hooped arrangement called lorica segmentata; scaled metal plates called lorica squamata, and chain mail or lorica hamata. Mail was durable and was used almost throughout Roman history as Roman soldier’s armour.
When was the Lorica Segmentata used?
The armor was first used in the early 1st century. Although, the exact time in which the Romans adopted the armor remains unknown. Some say it was after Crassus’ defeat at Carrhae in 53 BC. Others say the armor was adopted in 21 AD after the Revolt of Julius Sacrovir and Julius Florus.
Why did the Segmentata fall out of use?
Because the soldiers at the Battle of Teutoberg Forest wore the lorica segmentata, we can conclude the armor must have been in use before 21 AD. Around the middle of the third century the lorica segmentata fell out of favor with the Roman army.
What is the origin of the lorica segmentata?
Lorica Segmentata was a purely Roman invention. It was the Lorica Hamata – the chain mail – that is believed to be of Celtic origin. And even that is dubious. As for why Segmentata was dropped – well, yes it was easier and cheaper to make than chain mail, but it had it’s draw backs.
What are the advantages of the lorica segmentata over other armours?
With this flexibility the soldier could move freely and use his shield and sword without the armor getting in his way. The lorica segmentata is also much lighter than the lorica hamata (chain mail) which was used before the lorica segmentata and even after.
What was the worst thing about the lightlorica segmentata?
Lorica Segmentata was a very high maintenance armour, again, far more so than any scale or chain armour. The Segmentata rusted incredibly quickly when wet, the internal leathers deteriorated rapidly from sweat and heat, requiring regular replacement, and the fastenings were also a problem.
What happened to lorica armor?
Technology improves, early mail was not that robust, but later mail was much more effective at preventing injury, so it may be Lorica was evolved out of its function by better mail. Lorica continued to be used right to the end of the Empire. Lorica is the term for armor.