The Late Roman Legionary - Armour or No Armour?

gordopolis

Joined Jan 2011

231 Posts | 52+

Discussion Starter
• Nov 14, 2015

• #1

Vegetius, the late Roman writer, claims that the late Roman legionary did not wear armour in battle. A striking claim, and a much debated one.

Grab a coffee and have a read of my take on it, here:

The Late Roman Legionary - Armour or no Armour? - Gordon Doherty - Writer

 

starman

Joined Jan 2014

6,816 Posts | 1,340+

Connecticut

• Nov 15, 2015

• #2

Agreed. I read Elton Warfare in Roman Europe 350-425 quite some time ago.

 

SNascimento

Joined Oct 2012

813 Posts | 16+

• Nov 15, 2015

• #3

I always thought there was no lack of armor for the Roman Army even in late antiquity.

On a side note, bought one of your books recently! The first one from the Legionary series... saw that you one of your influences was Bernard Cornwell and well, I was sold. Haven't read it yet, just a small peak. Hope I enjoy it!

 

gordopolis

Joined Jan 2011

231 Posts | 52+

Discussion Starter
• Nov 19, 2015

• #4

SNascimento said:

I always thought there was no lack of armor for the Roman Army even in late antiquity.

On a side note, bought one of your books recently! The first one from the Legionary series... saw that you one of your influences was Bernard Cornwell and well, I was sold. Haven't read it yet, just a small peak. Hope I enjoy it!

Click to expand...

Cool - I hope you like it too!

 

M

MagnusStultus

Joined Jun 2014

1,221 Posts | 1+

VA

• Nov 19, 2015

• #5

gordopolis said:

Vegetius, the late Roman writer, claims that the late Roman legionary did not wear armour in battle. A striking claim, and a much debated one.

Grab a coffee and have a read of my take on it, here:

The Late Roman Legionary - Armour or no Armour? - Gordon Doherty - Writer

Click to expand...

Individual soldiers had a great source of armor when not issued any; the Padded Jack.

It wasn't what we would call cheap; you could get a few goats or a cow but if you are taken for army service your first priority is survival and it was cheap compared to mail armor.

 

Shtajerc

Joined Jul 2014

6,743 Posts | 472+

Lower Styria, Slovenia

• Nov 19, 2015

• #6

SNascimento said:

Bernard Cornwell

Click to expand...

I bought his book Waterloo (Cornwell's, to avoid possible confusion). I was told by fellow forum members that I shan't take him by his word too much and after reading it I see why. May I ask how he is, concerning other topics? And don't come me with Sharpe, please. I'm interested in his other work though. Has he written something about the Roman era and the Legionairs too?
Excuse me, if I went off topic here, please.