Scale (repoussé) Pectorale

[Sutoris]

Gashford wrote:

I think that the scales are upside down though as a stabbing thrust would generally glance up and away as opposed to down and in

That would explain the upside down position.

Conal wrote:

In general reference to the "upside down scales" wouldn't a Gladiator be very likely to receive stabbing moves downward over the shield thus negating any glancing effect the scales may have and as you say snag or guide in.

Don't know Conal, I'm not a gladiator :wink:

Embossing on the other hand would stop any further downward movement of the stab?

Ok, but why would you do the embossing upside down :roll:
And look at the Stabian Gate gladiatorial relief from Pompeii, a solid pectoral that wide , like Gashford pointed out, would serious restrict moving your arms across your chest.