What is lorica squamata?

Lorica squamata, also known as scaled armour, is a type of ancient Roman armor made up of small metal scales sewn onto a leather backing. This type of armor was used by Roman soldiers and gladiators during the Roman Republic and Roman Empire.

The scales were usually made of bronze or iron and were overlapped and sewn onto a leather or cloth garment. This provided excellent flexibility and protection against slashing attacks. The design of lorica squamata allowed for good ventilation and movement, making it a popular choice for soldiers in warm climates.

While lorica squamata offered good protection, it was eventually replaced by the more effective and easier to produce lorica segmentata during the first century AD. Despite this, lorica squamata remained in use for certain specialized units and continued to be worn by gladiators well into the Roman Empire.

Today, lorica squamata can be seen in museums and reenactments, giving us a glimpse into the ancient Roman military equipment and tactics.