Mail replaced segmentata? Why?

[A_Volpe]

Matt Amt - Thanks for pointing out the flaws in my entry! Boy did I have some DUH moments reading your counterpoints! You're right, I SHOULD know better on some of those things! Yikes, I need to take more time previewing my posts before hitting "submit"! :roll:

Yeah, if Maille was "easily punched through", then why was it used for over a thousand years...Yeah good point! Hehehe, pun intended?

But at the same time, I think the intent of wearing maille was for "glancing" hits, not intended for "direct" hits, even if you're on horseback and charging with a lance, you get hit with that kind of force and maille isn't going to stop anything...Isn't that why they had a shield (Norman "kite" shield, later the infamous "heater" shield) until full steel plate took over?

Although I still think there is a likelihood (to rephrase) that a good spearpoint might punch through maille, but as is the case a steel breastplate, and as you said, it's a lucky shot more times than not.

That being said, I suppose I'd be more concerned with getting smashed with a polehammer or a mace (or a club or a sword pommel) wearing maille than I would be worried about a spear point or arrow.

but I digress... Certainly there is not an easy answer to this, although with some of the theories and counterpoints, I'm going to have to change some of my presentation material, so thanks!