Padded Armour

[tlclark]

Update on some of my reconstruction efforts.

I offer here three hypothetical patterns for a subarmalis with pteruges attached.

http://astro.temple.edu/~tlclark/pictur ... ttern1.jpg
http://astro.temple.edu/~tlclark/pictur ... ttern2.jpg
http://astro.temple.edu/~tlclark/pictur ... ttern3.jpg

All are based on the assumption that the subarmalis - and I am principally concerned here with the subarmalis used with the musculata - follows a basic pattern based on the late hellenistic/republican linothorax, since the pteruges look very much like the late hellenistic variety.

The subarmalis might have been closed in a number of fashions, and I have created three possible methods, although it is possible that the shoulder padding might have been a separate piece as in the yoke for the linothorax.

Some justifications for some of my decisions:

The neckhole is square as most of the musculatae have square neckholes and we can't see the subarmalis under the neckline. It is also lower in the front as on most of the musculata.

It would most likely be closed by laces or ties, but not buckles or fasteners.

The arm flap sticks out of armhole and folds down over the armor to protect the wearer from chafing.

Couple of observations on the pteruges.

Since we never see how the pteruges are attached to the subarmalis in the statuary, the pteruges must extend fairly far back under the armor.

My best guess on how this was contructed is that it was composed of several layers. Most examples in the staturay show not one but at least two, and in some cases four layers of pteruges. To create this effect you would only have to create two layers, based on the patterns above, and sew them together, perhaps with added padding inbetween, and then just let the pteruges hang down.

I think that the individual pteruges were also layered. Here's a couple of ideas on how these were constructed.

http://astro.temple.edu/~tlclark/pictur ... uction.jpg
http://astro.temple.edu/~tlclark/pictur ... ction2.jpg

I am working on a more detailed pattern showing how all the layers might have been put together.

And of course when I get the time and money, I am going to try to make one.

Travis