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Eastern Roman Army


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Hi, everyone--I'm new to the forum. I'm really interested in late Roman/early Byzantine stuff, and I've been searching for some time for information on the late Roman (Diocletian through Constantine I) infantry. Does anyone know any good links for information or descriptions/pictures of late 3rd/early 4th century soldiers in the East? Were they still wearing lorica segmentatas? What I've found thus far makes it seem as though they weren't anymore, though everything I've found also pertains to the northern frontiers in the West, not to the Eastern provinces.

 

Thanks!

Edited by bulgarslayer
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The lorica segmentata had fallen into disuse and chainmail was back in fashion. Helmets had become more 'saxon' in appearance, or a little oriental like the spangenhelm type.

 

Although the late empire had developed into multi-legion armies by this stage, uniformity was less prevalent. The legionaries of this time were funded by the state which wasn't getting any wealthier. Also bear in mind the large scale use of foreign formations used to make up numbers who would have fought with native weapons and clothing.

 

I recommend the Osprey series for illustrations of this period.

 

[url="http://www.ospreypublishing.com/store/Late-Roman-Infantryman-AD-236

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