Linothorax design/construction

[Paullus Scipio]

I think the word "clear" has a different meaning to some people. From the available evidence there is no way one could conclude that the spollas was a specific type of body armour.

I think you have misread what I wrote, Dan. All I said was that it was "clear" that thorakes means body-armour. You wouldn't dispute that, surely ?
I did say there was "little doubt" that the spolas was a leather tube-and-yoke corselet. After all, it is defined as such in an ancient lexicon. How often do our ancient sources take the trouble to define technical terms for pieces of kit ?

I certainly wasn't convinced about the identification of the spolas with the 'linothorax' or the idea that 'thorax' always implies "metal" unless otherwise qualified.

If you look at the context in which Xenophon uses the term, it becomes clear that he is referring to armour which is heavier than 'normal' hoplite armour etc. A careful reading of Xenophon will convince you, I'm sure. :wink:
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