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Body armor of the principes (heavy infantry), hastati (front-line soldiers), and triarii (veterans) consisted of only a 20cm square breastplate, called a heart guard (pectorale), and one greave. The one greave was worn on the left leg, the leg that was exposed during battle.
The lorica segmentata (Latin pronunciation: [ɫoːˈriːka]), also called lorica lamminata, or banded armour is a type of personal armour that was used by soldiers of the Roman army, consisting of metal strips fashioned into circular bands, fastened to internal leather straps.
Like other Roman officers on the column, he wears a paludamentum, or cloak, with his torso covered by the piece of armour known as a muscle cuirass. This consisted of a solid breastplate moulded to suggest superhuman muscles, fringed with strip-like defences known as pteryges to extend protection to the adjacent joints.
Some photos of a hyper-authentic reproduction Corbridge "A" lorica segmentata made by Matt Lukes. Matt is one of the premier craftsman in the Roman reenactment world. Here are a few photos of Roman friezes that show the lorica segmentata being worn by soldiers in Roman times.
Isa 59:17 NIV He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. Photo of Trajan’s column taken by Radomił Binek (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Radomil).
Senior commanders are known to have worn white cloaks and plumes. The centurions, who made up the officer ranks, had decorations on their chest plates corresponding to modern medals, and the long cudgels that they carried. Examples of items of Roman military personal armour included: Galea or soldier's helmet.
Roman Soldiers of Diocletian’s favored Legions, Hercules and Jupiter, in the region of the Lower Danube. The Romans practice throwing the latest infantry weapon; darts called ‘plumbata’ (also known as ‘martiobarbuli’). Their shields’ designs are based upon those shown in Notitia Dignitatum document.
Why was it called the Lorica Segmentata... or was it? The name "lorica segmentata" translates to "segmented cuirass" in Latin, literally meaning breastplate and backplate armor that is fastened together and is in segments!
Lorica segmentata was probably the most protective and most recognisable armour of the Roman period. It came in two semi-circular sections that were laced together to enclose the torso. Shoulder guards and breast and back plates added further protection.
The function of the breastplate was simple which was to protect the soldier’s vital organs. In close hand–to–hand combat the breastplate was essential for survival. No trained Roman soldier would venture into battle without it.