Subarmalis in the literary sources

[mcbishop]

I think Lewis & Short have misunderstood this passage. They seem to think that it clinches the deal about an "under-the-armpits" tunic. On the contrary, (imho) it is perfectly in keeping with the other descriptions of the subarmalis as a warrior's under-shirt.

Thank you for drawing our attention to Martianus Capella (who, as far as I can see, has never been cited in discussions of the subarmalis).

No, I'd completely missed that one (he says, as if he is well-versed in late encyclopaedists hock: ) but I agree, there is nothing in there that mitigates against the interpretation of the subarmalis as an arming doublet. I doubt L&S would even be aware that anything would have to be worn under armour, bless 'em, so they would needs be interpret it in terms that made sense to them as [deep breath] classicists.

Mike Bishop