Two-Ply and Three-Ply Linen Corselets

[Tim Edwards]

Some unusually thick linen fragments, including carbonized examples, have been
analysed by Hero Granger-Taylor and identified as parts of pteryges, literally “flaps”, the
narrow hanging elements attached to the shoulders and waists of traditional corselets and
breastplates. The technique is weft-twining and is no doubt the same as in the only other
known example of ancient linen armour, the greave from Dura-Europos. The same
structure is recorded more widely in slings.

From:
Abstract: Military Textiles at Masada: fragments of linen armour and fragments of Roman legionary
cloaks. Hero Granger Taylor