08-14-2013, 07:30 PM
The Romans produced a considerable amount of often highly decorated armour purely for entertainment purposes. Gladiators were entertainers/sportsmen, their armour may have been functional within their "sport", but it wasn't made for the serious purpose of warfare.
Also no-one is suggesting that every grunt in the Roman army had a separate suit of armour for parade purposes, but we do need to consider the possibility that officers and some of the more ornamental units may have had armour dedicated to making an especially fine appearance in parades, celebrations and religious ceremonies.
Rennaisance parade armour was made, the Negroli of Milan were renowned for its production. It was of superb quality workmanship and very expensive and was not used in war. We know these things for certain. Were the men who bought such armour mere fools, or were they addressing real social and political pressures which made investment in armour purely for show worthwhile? Personally I think the latter is more likely.
Also no-one is suggesting that every grunt in the Roman army had a separate suit of armour for parade purposes, but we do need to consider the possibility that officers and some of the more ornamental units may have had armour dedicated to making an especially fine appearance in parades, celebrations and religious ceremonies.
Rennaisance parade armour was made, the Negroli of Milan were renowned for its production. It was of superb quality workmanship and very expensive and was not used in war. We know these things for certain. Were the men who bought such armour mere fools, or were they addressing real social and political pressures which made investment in armour purely for show worthwhile? Personally I think the latter is more likely.
Martin
Fac me cocleario vomere!
Fac me cocleario vomere!
