08-13-2003, 11:03 PM
Avete omnes!!!<br>
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Eh, I like the references to the art, but I can tell you one thing from wearing an O-yoroi and seeing quite a few depicted on fumi-e - artists do take a lot of license with how they depict the military<br>
<br>
I think I agree with tinning the plates and making them look pretty ( the belt plates from Hod Hill come to mind, if memory serves right) and I would bet niello and other effects might have been used by the notables. However, the issues of cost and resources may have driven the Romans to more practical solutions than the shiny loricas all around.<br>
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I agree that most Legati probably thought that armor was something for you to carry and shine up - but I very seriously doubt the gregarii shared this enlightened view<br>
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Another reason why I consider the art suspect is one of the major pieces often referenced by folks seeking to re-create the "look" of the legionary - Trajan's Column. It's the reason why Hollywood always uses the same mugly armor and helmets, and generally horribly mangles the soldier's image. While it does depict quite a few very interesting and realistic things (artillery and siege engines come to mind), there are way too many things wrong with the depictions shown to really depend on it to be "100%" accurate. ALso, keep in mind that this is a political propaganda pamphlet on a collossal scale - the damn Dacian Wars were quite a drain on the treasury, and their ultimate value to the Empire can be hotly argued. They were good press for the Imperator, though<br>
<br>
Anyway, that's another II sestercii<br>
<br>
Optime vale, et Iuppiter nos protegas<br>
Marius Cornelius Scipio<br>
LEG IX HSPA COH III EXPG CEN I HIB <p></p><i></i>
<br>
Eh, I like the references to the art, but I can tell you one thing from wearing an O-yoroi and seeing quite a few depicted on fumi-e - artists do take a lot of license with how they depict the military<br>
<br>
I think I agree with tinning the plates and making them look pretty ( the belt plates from Hod Hill come to mind, if memory serves right) and I would bet niello and other effects might have been used by the notables. However, the issues of cost and resources may have driven the Romans to more practical solutions than the shiny loricas all around.<br>
<br>
I agree that most Legati probably thought that armor was something for you to carry and shine up - but I very seriously doubt the gregarii shared this enlightened view<br>
<br>
Another reason why I consider the art suspect is one of the major pieces often referenced by folks seeking to re-create the "look" of the legionary - Trajan's Column. It's the reason why Hollywood always uses the same mugly armor and helmets, and generally horribly mangles the soldier's image. While it does depict quite a few very interesting and realistic things (artillery and siege engines come to mind), there are way too many things wrong with the depictions shown to really depend on it to be "100%" accurate. ALso, keep in mind that this is a political propaganda pamphlet on a collossal scale - the damn Dacian Wars were quite a drain on the treasury, and their ultimate value to the Empire can be hotly argued. They were good press for the Imperator, though<br>
<br>
Anyway, that's another II sestercii<br>
<br>
Optime vale, et Iuppiter nos protegas<br>
Marius Cornelius Scipio<br>
LEG IX HSPA COH III EXPG CEN I HIB <p></p><i></i>
