Was the Lorica REALLY polished?

[Matthew Amt]

Sean Richards writes:<br>
"The question is: "Did the Roman armor smiths buff off a protective layer?""<br>
<br>
No, the question is, "How is armor portrayed in Roman artwork, and/or described in Roman literature?" I think we've answered that one. Doesn't really matter how much time or effort went into making or keeping the armor shiny, that's entirely a secondary question. And don't even bother with "WHY"--that will only keep you awake at night!<br>
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<br>
Decimus writes:<br>
"I just feel that as reenactors, we should keep an open mind."<br>
<br>
And I feel that we should follow the evidence at hand, and NOT drift off into speculation if it isn't necessary. If there were NO information about the finish/color of the armor, then anyone's guess or theory is as good as anyone else's. But since we do have evidence in one direction, we should stick with it. When we get EVIDENCE for something else, sure, then we'll have options.<br>
<br>
I might be able to come up with a hundred practical reasons why a curved gladius is better than a straight one, but without solid evidence, it's just fantasy.<br>
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Valete,<br>
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Matthew/Quintus, Legio XX <p></p><i></i>