The oldest, most complete Roman armour ever found tells a story of total defeat.
In short: Unearthed in Germany, this 2,000-year-old lorica segmentata offers a rare look at the iconic iron plate armour worn by Roman legionaries. This video explores the meticulous reconstruction of the suit and its grim connection to one of Rome's most catastrophic military failures.
Discovered in 2017 at Kalkriese, Germany, this set of lorica segmentata is composed of 40 iron sheets held together by leather straps and buckles. It dates back to approximately 9 AD, placing it at the heart of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, a devastating ambush where Roman forces suffered a historic defeat. The soldier who wore this gear may have been among those lost in the ancient forests.
Curators at the British Museum have painstakingly reconstructed the armour for the exhibition 'Legion: life in the Roman army,' which runs until 23 June 2024. The display examines the design, maintenance, and evolution of this military equipment, providing insight into the reality of life for a Roman soldier.
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