Chariobaude wrote:Leather armour in the late roman army?
hard to give an answer to this one.
For obvious reasons (leather is an organic material, its conservation does not exceed a certain period), we have none of this time.
In addition, by delving quickly in my memories, I can not find a text which cites this protection in the late empire. On the other hand, I know that there are tetrarchic bas-reliefs which some historians believe describe leather armor (only for infantry), like Marco Rocco.
Perhaps they were subarmalis protections, worn under metal armor to absorb blows.
To my knowledge, the vast majority of armor of the time worn by Roman infantry (the difference is now minimal, even insignificant between auxiliaries and legionaries) are lorica hamata (a very heavy chainmail), with also lorica squamata (scale armor, more frequent in the eastern part, adopted via the Parthians).
Finally, we have many descriptions of the thoracomachus, a gambeson made with many layers of linen (therefore off-white / ecru color). I could be cool to paint your milites wearing it !
I was hoping you'd weigh in.
The leather armour is suggested, as you say, by some art works, including paintings.
Phil Barker (who wrote the DBX wargames' rules & who is a knowledgeable man) championed the idea.
As you'd know, a Roman author (Vegetius?) wrote that "lazy" Romans refused to wear armour & even helmets as they were too heavy. I think this was used to support the leather hypothesis.
As you say, the idea does appear to be unlikely but I think these TD figures have bought into the idea.
This thoracomachus would be much like the old linothorax, then? On my figures, a sleeveless gambeson that has pteruges over the lower body? Painted in a cream colour?
A quick search revealed this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB-KuNdWc4o. I think it may be a great idea.
Thanks, donald
