Roman Metal Armour-Polished or Dull?

[Urselius]

The armour of legionary after two weeks marching in German bogs and forests would not have been very shiny at all.

You know, I keep hearing this theory, and I still don't buy it completely. For one thing, they didn't march through bogs, they marched on roads and camped in open areas. Sure, there can be rain and mud, but that would have more of an effect on the clothing than the armor. Two weeks is plenty of time to learn the secrets of keeping the armor looking good no matter what the conditions. You might not worry as much about keeping the brasswork bright, but I'll bet they attacked the rust!

I do agree that everything would be much cleaner and shinier for formal occasions!

Valete,

Matthew

In the absence of roads they would have to march through whatever terrain was between them and their destination. Of course they could have had a "Dalek and stairs" problem off road. :wink:

Come to think of it they never attempted Ireland....