Linothorax design/construction

[PMBardunias]

I have trouble believing that the Greeks would have hidden metal armour. It would be on show and highly polished - not hidden by leather or cloth.

I agree that the display of bronze was a means of showing wealth, but if displaying shiny metal was this important they would not have adopted Linen in place of bronze. In fact, based on the wealth display idea they would be more likely to only switch if their armor was known by all to have these metal inserts. So I don think the display of metal arguement can be invoked here. Again, one obvious reason to move away from all bronze was to have thicker metal in strategic places and conserve weight.

Linen seems to have become more common among the elite during later periods and the style changed over time, but linen and bronze armours continue to see use simultaneously.

There was clearly a class difference in those who wore bronze and those who wore leather or textile armor. Thus as I said the elites would have to adopt from below or from afar.