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Here is another question I am researching.
From 1 a.d. to 90 a.d. was there any Roman armor Breastplates, Hamata, Lorica Segmentata, Squamata or Muscle Cuirasses that only covered the front and not the back that would have been standard issue or purchased?
I have heard that there was, but I have not found anything that didn't protect both the front and the back.
Does anyone have any info or pictures that would confirm such armor?
Thank you Patrick
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I haven't heard of half-armours until the polearm infantry of the renaissance. Though the reliefs and sculptures only show us the front of the figures, I think they should have done it at least a few places, if this half-armour existed. Also, they would be quite useless. Against a halberdier, this might be ok, but when you are in CC with someone, who may also cut your back...
Mark - Legio Leonum Valentiniani
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Given the construction methods of mail, scale, and segmented armour, it would probably be much harder to have a 'half' version that a complete one that could support its own weight. It would be unbalanced and leave the wearer dangerously exposed (especially at the shoulders). A muscle cuirass could plausibly only have the breastplate, but that was far from standard issue and would certainly have issues with balance, comfort, protection etc.
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Didn't Alexander take away the backplates from some troops he thought unreliable?
Pecunia non olet
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A Republic style pectoral could be rigged so that the backplate was removed. But as for hamata, no, I don't think that would work.
M. Demetrius Abicio
(David Wills)
Saepe veritas est dura.
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Using heavy metal breastplates without a back would only unballance the user, thereby destroying his back and thereby his fighting ability.
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My thoughts' exactly... I went as far back as I could even in Hebrew and Persian history and could not find anything of the sort. I really appreciate your comments and your insights. Would any of you allow me to quote you in a book? Please send me a private message if you would allow.
Thanks as always.
