06-04-2006, 10:04 PM
Trying to second guess ancient cultures is not a good idea. Evidence has emerged to show that they did all sorts of things that make no sense to us today. Personally I would like to wear padding under my mail. It is irresponsible to assume that all earlier cultures must have as well. A reasonably thick woollen tunic should give adequate protection from chafing and help to reduce blunt trauma somewhat. Absense of evidence is not evidence of absence but we can't carry this mantra too far. It is pure speculation to say that the vikings wore an arming garment under their mail and a blatant lie to claim that we know how it was made.
Author: Bronze Age Military Equipment, Pen & Sword Books