Armor and movement

[Tarbicus]

So being narrow and short, it's no wonder that surviving examples are always viewed as being "small" or "child-sized". They aren't, of course, they just don't cover as much as some folks expect. Because you have to be able to move!

That one in the British Museum from Italy is mighty narrow in the waist, and the depth front to back is oh so very small. People were definitely tiny compared to today.