Erik Hildinger

Some scholars now seem to suggest that Roman ways persisted later in Britain than was thought.

You keep slugging, Caldrail. I'll give you that! It seems that I'm more willing to give weight to the evidence that's out there on this question than you are. Regards, Erik

I'm thinking of something like this from section XV of De Rebus Bellicis: "Inter omnia quae ad usum bellicum prouida posteritatis cogitauit antiquitas, thoracomachum quoque mira utilitas ad leuamen corporis armorum ponderi et asperitati subiecit. Hoc enim uestimenti genus, quod de coactili ad mensuram et tutelam pectoris humani conficitur, de mollibus lanis timoris sollicitudo sollertia magistra composuit ut hoc inducto primum lorica uel cliuanus aut his similia fragilitatem corporis ponderis asperitate non laederent: membra quoque uestientis inter armorum hiemis que discrimen tali solacio adiuta labori sufficiant."

Good points. All the same, I still think that quilted armor must have been used. Something much like it must have been worn under ring-armor, and its protective qualities would have been obvious. The cost of equipping large numbers of men, particularly during the financally-strapped late Empire when many of them, such as limitanei, defended the border in forts or from the walls of cities and seldom fought in pitched batttles argues strongly for the use of cheap but adequate protection. Best regards! Erik https://www.erikhildinger.com

It seems that the Romans used quilted armor. A figure on the arch of Constantine and another on a 4th century sarcophagus pretty clearly show this. For pictures and a fuller discussion, please see my blog. https://www.erikhildinger.com/blog/a-roman-armor-that-has-been-missed

This looks like a great site. I look forward to following and joining in discussions. Aboout me: I'm the author of a couple of history books, including one about the rise of the professional Roman Army at the end of the Roman Republic. Erik HIldinger https://www.erikhildinger.com