Dura Europos leather lamellar cuisse

[jvrjenivs]

I've been reading the details Simon James collected about two leather lammelar pieces from Tower 19 of Dura Europos (Yale N0 1981.62.27 & unknown)

I also know of a reconstruction, of what I think is piece #2 of these) by Comitatus.


Following this, I always suspected these to be a kind of lamellar for the upper legs. However, when looking into more detail, I was confused by the size of both items. Both seem to be from a different set, as their measurements (both general and of individual Lamellae) are different. The smaller of the two is 660 x 450mm. The bigger measuring 740 x 570 mm. Simon James also suggest that the latter one is almost complete, as most of the edging did survive.

Now, guessing by these sizes I would say it is either rather big for an upper leg piece or, more probably, it will cover the whole leg. Anyone else any thoughts about this?

[John Conyard]

My thoughts are ......that's my carpet and I need a new one!

Such armour is worn from the waist, down over the knee and the upper shin. My pair are 640 mm long, although this varies depending on how tightly I lace them. A picture of them being worn can be viewed at:

http://comitatus.net/galleryarmour.html

They mirror similar thigh guards used by the steppe nomads and the Achaemenids.

They do cover most of the leg, are good at defending against horizontal blows and strikes from above, presumably from enemy cavalrymen and missiles. But there is no guarantee they are "Roman".

[John Conyard]

This photo shows the level of coverage.

[Gaius Decius Aquilius]

These look somewhat like Japanese haidate of the ita type. They are thigh guards and worn by the strap around the waist. Many were made of laquered leather and there is no doubt about them being both tough and durable. The period of usage was from circa 1300 through the 1800s, amd since Japanese armor manufacture was never suspended, continue to be made into the present.

I have one of these laquered leathered pieces and have no doubt about it's utility.

A cord was passed around the neck and looped on the center of the haidate, where the leg sections meet to help with the suspension.

Ralph

[John Conyard]

That is interesting. I have never considered a cord around the neck to aid suspension. Thank you.

[Virilis]

This photo shows the level of coverage.

Wow John! This pic you provided is very nice, as I noticed from Jurjens pics, movement/action really make a difference!