02-18-2013, 01:55 AM
A face-mask has been found in the Great Palace of the Emperors in Constantinople (Osprey 247, page 11, fig I), but it is undated. Most of what has been found is dated to the early 5th century, but this mask could well be a later, 6th or even 7th century piece of equipment.
By the way, I do not find the descriptions of Ammianus´ cataphracts exceptionally fancifull, and he had seen such cavalry as they were used by Julian during his German and Persian campaigns. At least of the latter campaigns we are sure Ammianus has been an eye-witness. The circlets covering the body are an apt description of the segmented limb-protection used by oriental-style cavalry from the Scythians to the Ottomans.
By the way, I do not find the descriptions of Ammianus´ cataphracts exceptionally fancifull, and he had seen such cavalry as they were used by Julian during his German and Persian campaigns. At least of the latter campaigns we are sure Ammianus has been an eye-witness. The circlets covering the body are an apt description of the segmented limb-protection used by oriental-style cavalry from the Scythians to the Ottomans.
