VEMBRACES

[garrelt]

What I see in this topic is the discussion if these existed or not.
Can a metallic bracelet take the force out of a blow. Yes it can.
Does cloth (a cloak) protect you against cuts. Yes it can
Does thick leather protect you from severe injuries. Yes it can.
Was metallic arm/hand protection used. Yes it was but we don't know for how long.
Is a person with an hand injury as effective as someone without. No he is not.
Did Gladiators train Legionairs. Yes they did.
Can you hide such protection under your Long sleeved tunic. Yes you can.
Was the Roman military equipment influenced by Greeks, Etruskans, Samnietes. Yes it was.
Do we have any Archaeological and iconographic evidence that in Roman times (0-400) Lower arm protection was used. No we don't.
Are there any skeletons left were it is clear that the hand has been cut off? Yes Kalkriese evidence (but were these skeletons from Legionairs or their opponents) this due to the Roman "normal" cremation practice.
But this does not have to mean that an individual Legionair could have worn some form of non-standard/non-state provided protection.
I don't have the documentation wright now, But there is written evidence that Legionairs during the Jewish wars constructed protective garments against the arrows and other missiles.

For me personally on the battle field in a fightshow with wood or steel and also because of modern insurance rules I wear protective equipment that is as natural as possible.
So no rivets, stainless steel, aluminum , Kevlar, etc or non period "fantasy" Conan/Xena-like outfits or decorations.
Of the field in display setting these protective compromises are stored away and will not be on display.

Hope the guy in the picture below had some form of protection and not broke his wrist.
In a real fight he would have lost his hand.
This picture is made during Wolin Viking Festival 7/8-08-2011
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