A theory I have on the Segmentata\'s use...

[Theodosius the Great]

One other significant aspect of the segmentata I've noticed, is it's springiness. The circular shape around the midsection (the circle being one of the strongest mathematical and structural shapes) is formed when the two sets of girdle plates are tied together. I'd be interested to see how that impacts the defense against incoming weapon blows. Maille does not obviously share this advantage.

During a test (aired on the History Channel) a bolt from a Ballista was fired at a seg and it bounced right off. I was shocked hock:

Not even a plate was torn off from its internal leather harnesses. Given those results, I can't imagine an effective weapon that would pierce a seg.