segmentata

[Magnus]

Guys, let me clarify one pretty important aspect of my theory:

I in no way said that the segmentata came about as a direct result of the Roman Gladius.

I am saying that the innovation of that armour came as a result of the myriad other types of pointy things (not necessairly arrows...I agree with the points on that about scuta) that were in use by Rome's enemies. I am also saying that the shoulder guards on a segmentata will give better blunt force trauma protection than those of a hamata.

Matt Amt, you said that there were other types of plate armour in use by other cultures...yet none resemble the segmentata, nor are they constructed quite the same (at least the examples you gave).

I truly believe that the conditions were right for this armour to be invented and then put into production (as stated, which I agree with Matthew Stanham on), but the basic need for something better vs pointy objects was driven by the weapons used against Rome at the time on all fronts. There is always a need...a cause and effect relationship so to speak.

Stimuli = Reaction under Proper Conditions