Greaves and Vambraces in the rank and file

[Nicholas Gaukroger]

So why do they disappear, or why do they seem to be a Mediterranen thing (are they)? That's because the Roman empire was a rich empire, providing enough means for the army to buy armour in large amounts, or receive it directly.

Quite possibly a mediterranean thing - off hand I can't recall they were ever common (if used at all) in China for infantry which was during its major imperial periods at least as big and at least as rich as the Roman empire and very well organised. Presumably they were not deemed necessary.