02-16-2012, 04:57 AM
As far as I know the "subarmalis" appear in no text as element of armament.
It appears - it seems to me - only in two texts without relation with the very armor.
In the "life of Claude", by Trebellius Pollion, in a long enumeration of gifts made by the emperor to reward a tribune
"subarmalem unum cum purpura Maura".
And in the "life of Septime Sévère", by Spatianus, when the emperor order to the Praetorians to appear at him without weapon
"Praetorianos cum subarmalibus inermes sibi iussit occurere".
It seems to me that it is rather necessary to see in the thoracomachus, as describes it the anonymous author of "de rebus Bellicis" this stuffed bottom garment worn bottom the armor, even if this text is very late (IV° or V° century).
Marc
It appears - it seems to me - only in two texts without relation with the very armor.
In the "life of Claude", by Trebellius Pollion, in a long enumeration of gifts made by the emperor to reward a tribune
"subarmalem unum cum purpura Maura".
And in the "life of Septime Sévère", by Spatianus, when the emperor order to the Praetorians to appear at him without weapon
"Praetorianos cum subarmalibus inermes sibi iussit occurere".
It seems to me that it is rather necessary to see in the thoracomachus, as describes it the anonymous author of "de rebus Bellicis" this stuffed bottom garment worn bottom the armor, even if this text is very late (IV° or V° century).
Marc