Padded Armour

[John M McDermott]

You can criticize the evidence for a padded linen subarmalis as being misinterpretations of ancient sculpture. However, this goes to the weight and credibility of the evidence, not the evidence itself. The evidence exists, without question, in that the sculpture exists.

The same may be said of the evidence for "felt". There is anecdotal evidence of its existence in ancient times. Probably, the Romans had contact with it, but maybe not. The interpretations of the materials found may or may not be correct. Evidence exists, but its weight in proving a certain proposition is open to question.

How many garments are made completely or mostly of felt? It is not used, I believe because it is not a sturdy fabric. Felt tears and cuts easily in a soft, unhardened form. Hardened, it provides good resistance to penetration. However, in a subarmalis, it must be left in a soft, pliable form. Such a garment would be easily destroyed or damaged. It is not susceptible to laundering. It must be covered to be durable, but by what? The text quoted says "Libyan hide". What is "Libyan hide"? Why not say hide? Why qualify it by saying "Libyan hide"? Was "Libyan hide" plain ordinary hide or hide of a special type or hide at all? Hide is hard and rigid if left in its natural form. How could a subarmalis be constructed and worn of something with bone like hardness?

Linen and hemp are tear resistant and puncture resistant in a soft form. They are launderable. They breathe and are wearable, whereas hide, leather and felt are not.

You can construct your subarmalis of leather and felt and wear it next to me, while I am wearing mine of hemp and wool filler. Then let's see who passes out first. Let's see who's is more durable and cleanable.