Posts: 14
Threads: 4
Joined: Feb 2016
Reputation:
0
Country:
Hi all,
I'm working on a vlog about the lorican segmentata and wondered whether there was any references to the cost of it in the Empire versus the other options?
I remember hearing that hamata was quite costly to make but don't wish to speculate on that point, any thoughts welcome.
Posts: 2,730
Threads: 20
Joined: Apr 2005
Reputation:
33
We don't even know what the Romans called it let alone what it cost.
Posts: 14
Threads: 4
Joined: Feb 2016
Reputation:
0
Country:
fair play, I've read your Mail Unchained article as part of general research, very interesting. Will cite you as a reference!
Posts: 4,861
Threads: 129
Joined: Nov 2011
Reputation:
33
The Diocletianic price list gives the costs of raw materials in the late 3rd century, when segmentata was beginning to fall out of use.
We know in the late 6th century thanks to the Ripuarian Law code, that a full maille hauberk cost 12 solidi (so as much as 2 warhorses, or two swords, or four helmets, or six plough horses, all of which are also recorded.)
I guess you could use that to make a rough estimate of the materials cost of a segmentata, but you couldn't factor in labor, etc. Furthermore, since these were state supplied and issued, in theory cost did not matter.
You should be able to find an online version of the Diocletianic price list.