Threads of warfare: textiles in Roman scale armour

Abstract

Roman scale armour, a type of military equipment, has been part of many studies in scholarly research. Nevertheless, while textile and leather material were known to be used for the base garment, archaeological evidence is relatively rare in the Roman period. This paper presents finds of scale armour with different textile materials attached. The selection of the fabric was deliberate and tailored to the armour’s construction demands, with textiles characterised by strength, thickness and durability. The weave choice was also intentional, with certain weaves associated with lighter copper alloy and iron scales, and basket weaves and tabbies found alongside heavier scales. Warp or weft-faced fabrics have only been found in conjunction with heavy, large iron scales. There is also evidence of a double layer of textile in Roman scale armour, which could even be made of two different weave types. This has implications for the interpretations of padded under-armour.