06-08-2008, 08:22 AM
Most statues show the highers up to be wearing the musculata (which I'm assuming is what you refer to by "rather ornately decorated formed body armor")
As you read into this subject further, you're going to find that the community can't even decide on whether such formed armor was leather or metal, due to the lack of archeological evidence. Leaning on sculptural evidence, is sketchy as well, without archeological back up. Other parts of these "classic" styled kits, such as the "falcata" style sword have been found, but even those are rare. Either way, whether it was the full kit, or just the sculpture, every commander saw himself as the next Alexander (or possibly Alexander reborn), which is why they would be decorated in such classic Greek fashion.
As you read into this subject further, you're going to find that the community can't even decide on whether such formed armor was leather or metal, due to the lack of archeological evidence. Leaning on sculptural evidence, is sketchy as well, without archeological back up. Other parts of these "classic" styled kits, such as the "falcata" style sword have been found, but even those are rare. Either way, whether it was the full kit, or just the sculpture, every commander saw himself as the next Alexander (or possibly Alexander reborn), which is why they would be decorated in such classic Greek fashion.
Marcus Julius Germanus
m.k.a. Brian Biesemeyer
S.P.Q.A.
m.k.a. Brian Biesemeyer
S.P.Q.A.
