05-21-2008, 09:02 PM
These images are very interesting. In both we see examples of scale plated collars for neck protection. Xenophon, in The Art of Horsemanship, sets down how a cavalryman should be armed and mentions an armoured collar in his recommendations –
'Next, as the neck is one of the vital parts, I say that a covering should be made for it rising out of the cuirass itself to fit the neck… if it is made as it should be, it will cover the rider’s face when he pleases as far as the nose.'
In the accompanying notes of my translation M.H Morgan writes that ‘it is probable that this piece was an Eastern device, suggested to Xenophon during his campaigns in Persia, and not generally adopted in Greece’
These collars must be what Xenopon is referring to and are indeed an Eastern/Persian armament. Assuming these Illustrations are taken from Persian archaeological evidence.
Xenophon also recommends –
'the newly invented piece of armour called the arm. It protects the shoulder, the arm, the elbow, and the part that holds the reins, and it can be extended or bent together.'
Surely this is illustrated by the bottom figure in your illustration, Gioi.
It looks very reminiscent of the manica (arm defence) later worn by Roman legionaries during the Dacian campaign (see picture below)
more on the roman manica - http://www.romanarmy.net/manica.htm
'Next, as the neck is one of the vital parts, I say that a covering should be made for it rising out of the cuirass itself to fit the neck… if it is made as it should be, it will cover the rider’s face when he pleases as far as the nose.'
In the accompanying notes of my translation M.H Morgan writes that ‘it is probable that this piece was an Eastern device, suggested to Xenophon during his campaigns in Persia, and not generally adopted in Greece’
These collars must be what Xenopon is referring to and are indeed an Eastern/Persian armament. Assuming these Illustrations are taken from Persian archaeological evidence.
Xenophon also recommends –
'the newly invented piece of armour called the arm. It protects the shoulder, the arm, the elbow, and the part that holds the reins, and it can be extended or bent together.'
Surely this is illustrated by the bottom figure in your illustration, Gioi.
It looks very reminiscent of the manica (arm defence) later worn by Roman legionaries during the Dacian campaign (see picture below)
more on the roman manica - http://www.romanarmy.net/manica.htm
Pericles of Rhodes (AKA George)
