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Kids Learning Zone

Armour

There were different types of Armour in use the most common was chain mail 'Lorica Hamata' which was make from metal rings knitted together to form a metal vest or shirt. It offered good protection against slashing blows from a sword but not much protection from penetrating weapons, the likes of arrows and spears.

The most well known armour associated with the Romans was plate armour 'Lorica Segmentata' this was a series of metal plates joined with hinges & rivets on the outside with leather strapping on the inside to aid flexibility. It was expensive & more complex to make. It is divided into 4 quarters 2 shoulder pieces and 2 thoracic pieces joined together with leather straps and buckles.

The inside of the Lorica segmentata clearly showing the leather straps and laces that hold it together. As well as the leather there are rivets, buckles and hinges that all help to hold it together

The final type of metal armour is scale armour 'Lorica Squamata' this was a series of scales sewn on cloth to form a vest or shirt like chain mail, it looked like fish scales when complete with each one over lapping the next. It was mainly worn my senior ranks or for ceremonies but could be used in battle.

The final type of armour is a muscled cuirass this was made from leather or metal and sometimes was highly polished. It was mainly worn my senior ranks or for ceremonies but could be used in battle. Not worn by the rank and file soldier and often decorated with symbols like mythical animals and Gods

The sandals 'Caligae' were studded like football boots on the sole for grip on the field. They offered great ventilation to the feet to keep them cool but also drained away any water preventing issues with 'Trench foot'. They were very comfortable to wear.
The helmet 'Cassis' for this period was known as the imperial Gallic type E. It offered good all round protection including cheek plates & neck guard. The helmet style changed many times throughout the Roman period including some Middle Eastern styles and different metals were used thorough the periods. Front view of helmet showing the rigid brow guard that offered some protection from frontal blows. It was also used as a weapon in close combat with a head butt to the enemies face to stun them before further attack with a sword.

The belt (Cingilum) was a studded leather belt designed to offer a bit of groin protection and help weigh down the tunic, it also had things hanging from it like a dagger or money purse.