07-20-2013, 01:50 PM
I've had a look at James' entry on the Dura Europos cloth greave and he seems to think that it is a liner for a metal greave, not armour. It is too thin to be useful as armour and the wear pattern supports the conclusion that it is a greave liner.
"Having examined the piece I am convinced that it is a greave liner rather than a defence in its own right; five millimeters of linen would not have been very effective. It makes far better sense as a shock absorber and anti-chafing device worn between the shin and a metal greave like 447. This explanation also accords well with the observed pattern of wear." (p. 129)
Item 447 is the remains of a copper alloy greave.
"Having examined the piece I am convinced that it is a greave liner rather than a defence in its own right; five millimeters of linen would not have been very effective. It makes far better sense as a shock absorber and anti-chafing device worn between the shin and a metal greave like 447. This explanation also accords well with the observed pattern of wear." (p. 129)
Item 447 is the remains of a copper alloy greave.
Author: Bronze Age Military Equipment, Pen & Sword Books
