Posts: 15,116
Threads: 415
Joined: Mar 2002
Reputation:
76
Does anyone have information about split greaves being worn in the thrid or fourth century? I have a great supplier but I'm not sure if they were worn at all by infantry.<br>
<br>
Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert <p></p><i></i>
Do you mean greaves like the ones used during the Vendel Period ? <p></p><i></i>
Posts: 15,116
Threads: 415
Joined: Mar 2002
Reputation:
76
Split greaves, yes.<br>
<img src="http://www.mardinus.c2000.pl/oferta/img/akcesoria/img_18s.jpg" style="border:0;"/><br>
I know some reconstructions show these things, and they make very much sense to wear in formations with round or pval shields. Stephenson shows them (but solid ones) on his 3rd c. heavy infantryman, and Christa Hook has them on a 4th-5th cavalryman as well. Point is, where's the evidence?<br>
<br>
Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert <p></p><i></i>
Posts: 2,540
Threads: 43
Joined: Feb 2003
Reputation:
0
Robert,<br>
<br>
As Alain has pointed out, the evidence for split greaves is in the Sixth century AD Vendel period Swedish tombs.<br>
As far as the current evidence allows, those greaves are 'Germanic' and later than the fall of the Western Roman Empire...<br>
<br>
Aitor <p></p><i></i>
It\'s all an accident, an accident of hands. Mine, others, all without mind, from one extreme to another, but neither works nor will ever.
Rolf Steiner
Posts: 15,116
Threads: 415
Joined: Mar 2002
Reputation:
76
Quote from Sander: "Additional protection was provided by splinted greaves and armguards, notably in the ranks of the heavy cavalry."<br>
<br>
Sander, where did you find this?<br>
I am a stubborn guy, and I see this as very good protection for the lower leg, under the scutum. But I will yield when the evidence is totally absent.. Which would be too bad, because ot looks very cool, and we Late Roman soldiers need all we can get to compete with our 1st/2nd c. brethren..<br>
<br>
Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert <p></p><i></i>
Oh, I see !!! Aren't they from "Mardinus", the Polish crafstman ? I got the same ones plus armguards... But I didn't dare to use them. Maybe for a Byzantine cataphract ? At last they are really well made, and solid.<br>
<br>
Alain <p></p><i></i>
Posts: 2,540
Threads: 43
Joined: Feb 2003
Reputation:
0
Yes, they are from Mardinus Alain.<br>
Just two questions, could we have a closer look at the helmet that you're wearing on the photo?<br>
Have you already decided about the Tarragona event? the organizers keep on asking us how many people must they await for lodging!<br>
<br>
Aitor <p></p><i></i>
It\'s all an accident, an accident of hands. Mine, others, all without mind, from one extreme to another, but neither works nor will ever.
Rolf Steiner
Posts: 15,116
Threads: 415
Joined: Mar 2002
Reputation:
76
Hi Alain,<br>
<br>
You did not dare use them? Yet there clearly are greaves used in our period, of a style which seems more elaborate than this (solid metal, suspended from the belt). So why would these greaves not be used? I really wonder what the reconstruction in 'Late Roman cavalryman' was based on, or where Sander had his information from.<br>
<br>
Yes, sometimes I am inclined to re-enact items which are not directly based on evidence, but 'possible' because similar evidence in other areas would seem to alow it.<br>
<br>
So.. maybe I will dare to wear them after all? If I will, will you?<br>
<br>
Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert <p></p><i></i>
Ok, I'll try to wear them some day... With the spangenhelm and the scale armour, it may look good.<br>
<br>
Alain <p></p><i></i>
Come on Sander where did you source splinted greaves ????<br>
<br>
Can I ask generally if the Vendel culture were heavily influenced by late Roman designs for helmets can it be extrapolated that they may have been influenced in the splinted greave department ?<br>
<br>
Are there any Sarmatian , Alan or steppe sources for splinted armour ?<br>
<br>
Conal<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
Dear Friends,<br>
<br>
I don't know of any splinted greaves in (late) Roman times.<br>
<br>
A very beautifull third century greave (one pieces with minerva with vexillum and two snakes in repousse) was found about 20 years ago in the Netherlands. Unfortunately it has not been published yet.<br>
<br>
Greetings<br>
<br>
Arpvar <p></p><i></i>
Posts: 2,540
Threads: 43
Joined: Feb 2003
Reputation:
0
Arpvar,<br>
Do you have a photo of that interesting greave?<br>
BTW, are you Maarten, from Gemina?<br>
<br>
Aitor <p></p><i></i>
It\'s all an accident, an accident of hands. Mine, others, all without mind, from one extreme to another, but neither works nor will ever.
Rolf Steiner
|
