Roman Plate Armour

This book explores the Roman legionaries' articulated plate armor, first named by Renaissance historians and reconstructed by archaeological finds in the 20th century. The armor, dating from the late 1st century BC to the 4th century AD, was adopted rapidly and continued in use despite its fragility. The book features commissioned artwork and scientific analysis, providing insights into the technology and practical strengths of the armor.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate world of articulated plate armor worn by Roman legionaries. Initially identified by Renaissance historians who studied the reliefs on Trajan's Column, the lorica segmentata had eluded successful reconstruction efforts until a series of significant archaeological discoveries in the 20th century shed light on its workings and extended chronology. The earliest findings, dating back to the late 1st century BC, indicate its rapid adoption, as evidenced by its discovery at Kalkriese in Germany. At the same time, discoveries in Spain and Britain revealed that, despite its perceived fragility, the armor continued in use until the 4th century AD.

The remarkable find of six halves of cuirasses in a chest at Corbridge in 1964 was matched by the rare discovery of a complete set of this armor at Kalkriese in 2014. The Corbridge find provided valuable context for interpreting and reconstructing earlier findings, and years of experience gained from reenactors have shed light on the practical strengths and weaknesses of this form of armor. Scientific analysis has also contributed to our understanding of the technology behind this revolutionary armor, which was so characteristic of the Roman Army.

Featuring specially commissioned artwork and incorporating the latest findings, this study unveils the formidable plate armor employed by the legionaries of Imperial Rome. The book meticulously explores the design, construction, and historical significance of the lorica segmentata, providing a comprehensive understanding of this iconic armor system.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 185 x 247 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472851871