RomanArmyTalk

It also has been suggested that segmentata cost more to produce than mail, and I have yet to see anything to counter that.

Quote:It also has been suggested that segmentata cost more to produce than mail, and I have yet to see anything to counter that.

It might be true that in a well set up armorments fabrication system, the segmenta was cheaper to produce. However the point Robert made is rather succinct. Chain Mail proved easier to handle from a point of strategic cost. It could be repaired more easily. And maybe one size suits all.

For some reason the Romans abandoned the segmenta in favor of mail. I think that says a great deal.

As to the cows vs soldi. The point I was making was relative cost. Chain mail may have been expensive to produce. But it was not an impossible expense.

While the initial expense of mail might be greater than that of a segmentata, it was probably a longer-term investment. Well-maintained mail will last for generations. Much of the mail in use in the time of Augustus was probably in use in the time of Marius. The thin sheet metal used in segmentata probably lacked such longevity.

I agree with John. Extant segmentata fittings are so flimsy that most re-enactors don't attempt to replicate them. Mail might cost more to produce than segmentata but it has many advantages that the state would like. Such as longevity, reduced maintenance, less need for multiple sizes, etc.

Yes, that I would agree with! But still, the protective qualities of the seg are quite confidence inspiring, especially if made to the lighter specs of the original.