11-16-2006, 05:33 PM
Well, there probably isn't much we can tell you as far as evidence goes. There aren't any surviving pieces, no certain illustrations, and only one rather vague and later description. The idea that they were made of recycled tunics is my own theory (though I think it's a darn good one!). Basically, you know about as much as most of us do, at this point!
Folks who have practical experience to share, please chime in! Otherwise, this is pretty much in the category of, "Good question! Find out and let us know!"
It's entirely possible that men just wore a couple old tunics under a hamata. It's also possible that a hamata included a complex and fully attached lining. We just don't know! We DO see short pteruges on some legionaries in mail, though you're right that whatever was there was probably less snazzy than for a centurion or legatus. Other than that, I don't think there are any details you could include which would specifically point to one era or another.
Good luck!
Matthew
Folks who have practical experience to share, please chime in! Otherwise, this is pretty much in the category of, "Good question! Find out and let us know!"
It's entirely possible that men just wore a couple old tunics under a hamata. It's also possible that a hamata included a complex and fully attached lining. We just don't know! We DO see short pteruges on some legionaries in mail, though you're right that whatever was there was probably less snazzy than for a centurion or legatus. Other than that, I don't think there are any details you could include which would specifically point to one era or another.
Good luck!
Matthew
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
