11-07-2007, 07:58 PM
I agree that an increase in manpower would assist the production of mail and I think that improved mass production techniques was one of the reasons why segmentata was phased out. I don't think it has anything to do with the introduction of segmentata though.
I find it hard to believe that segmentata was easier to maintain than mail. With the flimsy nature of the fittings and the amount of broken ones that are dug up one would think that seg maintenance was a full time occupation.
I haven't read a decent paper discussing the cost of production for various types of Roman armour. My evidence comes from Medieval Europe where documents from England through to Eastern Europe all indicate that mail was more expensive to produce than all but the most expensive custom tailored plate.
I find it hard to believe that segmentata was easier to maintain than mail. With the flimsy nature of the fittings and the amount of broken ones that are dug up one would think that seg maintenance was a full time occupation.
I haven't read a decent paper discussing the cost of production for various types of Roman armour. My evidence comes from Medieval Europe where documents from England through to Eastern Europe all indicate that mail was more expensive to produce than all but the most expensive custom tailored plate.
Author: Bronze Age Military Equipment, Pen & Sword Books
