11-12-2008, 05:49 AM
Hi Rick,
I agree the band might function as you suggest but I feel it would be of more use to cavalry than infantry.
I have done a lot of (reenactment) foot combat and field work in lamellar and never suffered "bounce" but I can see it happening on horseback.
It could also have a function to inhibit spears "skitting" up one's cuirass - a problem I HAVE encountered hock:
However keep in mind for your conclusion that much of Byzantine art is indeed "Classical" in nature and your suggestion re earlier shoulder straps may apply to the artist rather than the subject. The fact it is depicted (particularly as is never seems to have any detail) may not mean it was worn - frustratin' ain't it!
I agree the band might function as you suggest but I feel it would be of more use to cavalry than infantry.
I have done a lot of (reenactment) foot combat and field work in lamellar and never suffered "bounce" but I can see it happening on horseback.
It could also have a function to inhibit spears "skitting" up one's cuirass - a problem I HAVE encountered hock:
However keep in mind for your conclusion that much of Byzantine art is indeed "Classical" in nature and your suggestion re earlier shoulder straps may apply to the artist rather than the subject. The fact it is depicted (particularly as is never seems to have any detail) may not mean it was worn - frustratin' ain't it!
Patrick Urquhart
aka Ingvar Carnifex
aka Ingvar Carnifex