12-19-2006, 10:14 PM
The thing about anecdotal evidence, though, is that it is anecdotal, not systematic. I don't doubt that you have seen this comparison, you wouldn't be the only one, but the question that will always be asked is "under what conditions?" There are Medieval anecdotes that make Mail sound invulnerable to Arrows and their are anecdotes that makes it sound like no protection at all, not to mention more literary descriptions. The debate is will no doubt continue.
With regard to the Parthians and Arrows, though, it is worth bearing in mind several key factors. First of all, the primary defence against Arrows for Heavy Foot is the Scutum, not Body Armour, which does not in any case cover every point of the body. Whether a Soldier wears Hamata, Segmentata or Squamata he will remain vulnerable at certain points. It is also worth remembering that the Roman Army was a composite and at any given time from the introduction to disappearance of Segmentata it would not likely have been the only armour present, particularly amongst Auxillaries, who may have made up as many as half the total numbers or more.
I do not think there is sufficient evidence that points towards Segmentata being introduced for any one specific reason or to deal with any one weapon. As a more general improvement to the arms and armour of the Roman Army during a time of increased prosperity, it makes better sense to me.
Matthew James Stanham
With regard to the Parthians and Arrows, though, it is worth bearing in mind several key factors. First of all, the primary defence against Arrows for Heavy Foot is the Scutum, not Body Armour, which does not in any case cover every point of the body. Whether a Soldier wears Hamata, Segmentata or Squamata he will remain vulnerable at certain points. It is also worth remembering that the Roman Army was a composite and at any given time from the introduction to disappearance of Segmentata it would not likely have been the only armour present, particularly amongst Auxillaries, who may have made up as many as half the total numbers or more.
I do not think there is sufficient evidence that points towards Segmentata being introduced for any one specific reason or to deal with any one weapon. As a more general improvement to the arms and armour of the Roman Army during a time of increased prosperity, it makes better sense to me.
Matthew James Stanham
It is a joyful thing indeed to hold intimate converse with a man after one\'s own heart, chatting without reserve about things of interest or the fleeting topics of the world; but such, alas, are few and far between.
Yoshida Kenko (1283-1350), Tsurezure-Gusa (1340)
Yoshida Kenko (1283-1350), Tsurezure-Gusa (1340)
