[split] Phalanx warfare: use of the spear

[Paullus Scipio]

Your generalisation isn't really true. For example, as you are well aware from postings on other Forums, 'Buff' coats used by cavalry in the 17C were some 5 mm thick i.e. made from a single hide layer, and were considered perfectly adequate protection against swords and spent bullets, as I have posted on the other 'Phalanx' thread.

Crispianus ( above) provided an estimate of around 12lbs [5.5 kg aprox] for a single layer Tube-and-Yoke. With a design as you describe, which may well have existed, considering these were individually made generally, you are looking at a much heavier corselet - say 18[double]-30 lbs[triple] 8 to 13.6 kg aprox. Even only 'triple layered' in front that's a pretty heavy body armour!

If you were on a 'losing' side and having to run for your life, even after having discarded your shield, you are as good as dead.......
That too should be a factor in deciding how much protection you want, and may explain ( inter alia) the trend toward lighter equipment, including no body armour, in the 5c BC ( though it is likely that at no time did all hoplites wear body armour)