linothorax and other white cuirases

[Thomas V.]

Hi Brutus
There are things that can not be explain with the usual approach (musculata with sleeves for instance).

What? Of course it can be explained. The cut and the flexibility of Roman chainmail explain the sleeves. That chainmail sometimes was depicted with a smooth surface by Roman stone carvers explains the smooth surface. That centurions wore (chainmail) armour wich was based on the musculata in terms of looks explains the musculatalike appearance. For the umpteenth time: The sleeve-equipped "musculata cuirasses" quite probably are a certain type (Type related to centurions?) of chainmail armour.

In the other hand your faith in Roman iron musculata is supported with sculptures more than actual remains.

M.VAL.BRUTUS was talking about metal, not iron. All surving muscle cuirasses are made of metal. The surviving cuirasses migth not be Roman ones or from the imperial period, but they can be considered as the antecessors of the Roman musculata of said period and they also proof that metal is a perfect material for making a muscle cuirass. The three finds wich are related to Roman muscle cuirasses of the imperial period also are made out of metal (respectively indicate metal). And even if M.VAL.BRUTUS' view was only based on sculptures: The sculptures indicate a rigid material and therefore not the flexible linen construction you propose.

What actual remains is your concept of a flexible glued linen musculata based on? At least proponents of the metal musculata theory can refer to remains.