Under Tunic Wear of Subarmlis

[arklore70]

OK, perhaps a crazy thought, but any thought that the subarmlis might have been worn underneath the Tunic?

Now before too many snickers start, I was thinking this for a few reasons.

1. We have very little reference to it, and have not seen much in n the way of artwork/evidence that the Romans had them, yet they must have had it for mail to be effective.

2. Wearing of a cloth or woolen subarmlis, made of old torn tunics, etc..underneath the tunic would allow for a uniform appearance of the troops. and act much like a undershirt today.

Well just a crazy thought, more than likely with not a lot of historical evidence to back it up.

Has anyone tried this, and if so, how did it work out/not work out.

Cheers!!

Mike

[A_Volpe]

Huh...When you think about it, it makes some good sence, I mean, why not?

It prevents the sub from showing up/sticking out from under your armor, you'd just see the tunic. (essp. if you Sub and Tunic are different shades or colors)

I'll try to remember to try this sometime.

Although, that would mean an inconsistency with the known imagery of soldiers on work fatigues (I'm thinking of where the tunic is bunches up and pinned on one side of the neck while digging or something - I recall the soldiers appear bare-chested under the tunic in these images) - Or if you just came off of a march and was able to take off your armor, your sub would still be under your tunic...Seems odd to have to take off all your clothes to remove your sub and then throw your tunic on again.

And, who's to say they didn't glue pieces of padding on the inside of the armor, or wrapped padding from the internal leather harness of [Lor.Seggie] armor, much as they possibly did with the helmets.

By the way, was there any more information about the discovery of the helmet with liner still glued inside, and what it may have been made of?
(I think it was the Vindola (sp?) find?)

[andym]

There maybe more on this subject.I recall the find of the "correspondance" at Vindolanda referring to "Subligaria".It was a letter from a Centurion/Garrison Commander to the Quatermaster asking where they were.Must have been a cold winter on the Wall.Look here for a full inventory of the Vindolanda Tablets.
http://vindolanda.csad.ox.ac.uk/4DLink2 ... questQuery

[derek forrest]

I have always worn a subarmilis similar to padding for Rugby/american football under the tunica to get the lorica to hang straight without gaps.

[Martin Wallgren]

I belive its the trick too!

I would wear it closer to the body. And one could wear a sub. as armour under the tunica when you dont wanna show your in armour i.e preatorians on guard inside the City of Rome.

[Martin Wallgren]

Doe´s anybody think they could have figuresawn the subarmalis a bit like you did in later times?

I have made two different versions of mine. One that is squareish like a tunica and one that has more figure. Both are quite allright to waer but the figureed one is workin better because it´s pressed against the body and that goves more of a stiffnes in it witch acctually make it funktion better against blows.

Yes I´ve tested both with and without maile on. The weapon in use was a blunt Gladius.