10-19-2001, 11:31 AM
Salve,<br>
<br>
For some reason the statement that the type of body armour was linked to the various types of legionary heavy infantry seems to be copied by modern authors without properly checking the sources. It has spread like an oil spill and can now be found in several publications. According to Polybius the difference in body armour was not based on the division between <i> hastati</i>, <i> principes</i> and <i> triarii</i>, but on the wealth of the individual soldier. Those rated above ten thousand <i> drachmae</i> wore mail, whereas those below this census rating used the <i> kardiophylax</i> or <i> pectorale</i> instead.<br>
<br>
Translation of Polybius book 6<br>
<br>
It is good to trust, but better to check up.<br>
<br>
Regards,<br>
<br>
Sander van Dorst <p></p><i></i>
<br>
For some reason the statement that the type of body armour was linked to the various types of legionary heavy infantry seems to be copied by modern authors without properly checking the sources. It has spread like an oil spill and can now be found in several publications. According to Polybius the difference in body armour was not based on the division between <i> hastati</i>, <i> principes</i> and <i> triarii</i>, but on the wealth of the individual soldier. Those rated above ten thousand <i> drachmae</i> wore mail, whereas those below this census rating used the <i> kardiophylax</i> or <i> pectorale</i> instead.<br>
<br>
Translation of Polybius book 6<br>
<br>
It is good to trust, but better to check up.<br>
<br>
Regards,<br>
<br>
Sander van Dorst <p></p><i></i>
