Collection: Segmented Cuirass
Lorica Segmentata
The Lorica Segmentata (segmented cuirass) is a type of personal armour used by soldiers of the Roman Empire, consisting of metal strips.
The plates of Lorica Segmentata armour were soft iron inside and mild steel on the outside, making the plates hardened against damage without becoming brittle. The strips were arranged horizontally on the body, overlapping downwards, and they surrounded the torso in two halves, being fastened at the front and back. The upper body and shoulders were protected by additional shoulder guards and breast- and backplates. The form of the armour allowed it to be stored very compactly, since it was possible to separate it into four sections each of which would collapse on itself into a compact mass. The fitments that closed the various plate sections together were made of brass. In later variants dating from around 75–80 A.D., the fastenings of the armour were simplified. Bronze hinges were removed in favour of simple rivets, belt fastenings utilised small hooks, and the lowest two girdle plates were replaced by one broad plate.
The question as to precisely who used the armour is debated. There is a clear difference in armour between the two corps shown on Trajan's Column. This is a monument erected in 113 in Rome to commemorate the conquest of Dacia by Emperor Trajan (ruled 98–117): its bas-reliefs are a key source for Roman military equipment. Auxilia are generally shown wearing mail (Lorica Hamata), cuirasses, and carrying oval shields. Legionaries are uniformly depicted wearing the Lorica Segmentata and carrying the curved rectangular shield.
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Lightweight Lorica Segmentata "Corbridge A" for kids (segmentated cuirass)
- Regular price
- €119,90
- Sale price
- €119,90