Quintus Sertorius Festus

[Doc]

I am trying to figure out logically what type of lorica Sertorius Festus is wearing. I would like to have a go somewhat at copying this tombstone. hock: I know that it is difficult to ascertain detail from the tombstone and I know that Robinson mentions that it may be plumata because of the ribs in the scales. However, the scales seem too large to be plumata although this may just be the artists rendition.

Initially I thought squamata since the image of Sertorius suggests that his cuirass is quite fitted (again the artists interpretation :?: ) This lead me to think about ribbed squamata.

Have there been any squamta scales that show the same ribbing as a plumata. I personally have not seen any but I may be wrong :?:

I know that the ribbing is not only for the feather look but also for strengthening the scale. This would be true for plumata since the scales are small and thus so are their thicknesses. The rib would introduce more strength along with the overlapping layers.

Squamata scales are larger by comparison and are probably thicker and may not require ribs :?:

Sertorius being a centurion could have had a horse. Would't the low scallops of his armor cause difficulty with getting on a horse if they were made of chainmail. :?:

Squamata would be more flexible in this case facilitating mounting :?:

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Any opinion by Dr. Bishop would also be greatly appreciated

Paolo

[Crispvs]

Paolo,

Mail is in fact far more flexible than scale and so mail scallops would probably cause less trouble than scale. However scale is shown not mail. That said, he could well have had a horse to travel on but he would not have expected to fight on horseback so he may not have worn armour whilst riding. Added to this he would probably have had a mule or even a cart in the baggage train to carry his tent and any other equipment he needed for his other tasks, which could also have carried his armour if he was not wearing it.

Regarding plumata, Robinson was not sure what was meant by this term but suggested that as it seemed to refer to feathers the 'feathery' look of Sertorius's scale might be what was meant by the term. Other people (I don't recall offhand if Robinson did as well) have suggested that the small scales attached to a mail backing such as those from Ham Hill might be what was termed 'plumata'.

On the subject of the Sertorius stelae from Verona, I am not convinced that the sculptor (both look to have been sculpted by the same sculptor) was as familiar with military equipment as the sculptors who carved the Rhineland stelae. Some details such as the apron worn by Lucius Sertorius Firmus seem very unusual and perhaps inaccurate. It should also be noted that Sertorius Festus is not wearing a military belt.
As I am unconvinced of the reliability of the sculptor's depiction of his two subjects I would not be inclined to take the depiction of Festus's squamata at face value unless some other evidence was brought to light to corroborate it.

I am afraid I cannot help on the subject of ribbed scales, although I am sure someone else can.

Crispvs

[Doc]

Thank you Crispus for your answer.

I spoke to Dan Peterson and he suggested that Sertorius might have been wealthy since he was a centurion and could have possibly afforded a plumata (the most expensive and elaborate armor) :?: . Thus the sculptor could have had this intention in mind. Furthermore, Robinson could have suggested what he did not only based on the appearence but also because Sertorius has a corona (civica or aurea) and carries Claudia Pia Fidelis, ergo he must have been a wealthy and well known centurion :?: . Thus he would have had the most expensive armor. I know that Dan Peterson bases his centurio lorica on this stone.

Also does anyone have any good photos or any information on the phalerae (as to what the images are). The ones on the RAT data base are not too clear especially when it comes to the top row and the center side and bottom side discs.

If Dr. Bishop is following this thread I would also appreciate his input on the subject. I am trying to get the most information possible before determining wether to proceed with a plumata.


Thanks

Paolo

[Crispvs]

Paolo,

Actually 'Claudia Pia Fidelis' is the title of his legion - Legio XI Clavdia Pia Fidelis.

Also, as I said above, the actual identification of what was originally meant by the term 'lorica plumata' is still unknown and we are left having to make 'best guesses' based on what we find. Thus either of the things which can be suggested as lorica plumata (ie ribbed scales and small scales on a metal backing) may have simply been considered as squamata by the Romans, with 'plumata' being something which has not survived for us to see. Then again, it might be that one of the two surviving candidates is actually plumata. Unfortunately, until we discover an illustrated guide to armour which survives form Roman times, we will never know for sure.

Crispvs