Linothorax vs Spolas

[Ghostmojo]

... In my opinion the pithos above can be used for no arguement concerning the skiritae or anything else ...

Perhaps you should read Chrimes' book Giannis? She develops her views in far more depth than I have recounted here. The pithos image above is slightly more than anecdotal whilst not being exactly proof of any kind which I accept. Nobody said he was a hoplite - in fact I pointed out this guy was perhaps somewhere along the path towards becoming one. I didn't say it was a spolas either. I was merely pointing out the fact that other forms of protective cover had been and might have been worn besides those we have been discussing. In opening out the discussion I was hoping to suggest that our perameters should perhaps be wider.

IMO a lot more metal armour than we suspect, including mail, was padded with an integrated liner. If so then nothing more than a simple chiton would be needed underneath.

I'm inclined to agree Dan. After all helmets contained an internal cap to assist with positioning and comfort - so why not armour as well?