Roman Metal Armour-Polished or Dull?

[Hugh Fuller]

When most of your enemies were without armor, it would seem to me that polishing your armor to glisten would give you a psychological advantage over them. And please don't try to tell me that the Romans weren't interested in gaining psychological advantages when available. They certainly did so when donning helmet crests and other such decorations before going into combat. It only seems reasonable to emphasize the advantages that you have over your opponents.