Armor in the late fifth century bc.

[hoplite14gr]

Thinks are simpler because:

Everyone wants armor if he goes for a heavy infantry engagement.
A can he afford it?
B is it available?
C are the craftsmen available?

All troops in the length of time try to maximize their protection but A and C are important factors.

Example: 700 Thespians at Deleon 421 B.C 400 dead: potters, metalworkres, carpenders, leather workers among them.
How easy would it have been to be armored in Thespiae after that?

Also bronze could be reused and iron could not.
The "armorless" 4th century troopers has been overplayed in my opinion.

Kind regards