In 2017, the oldest and most complete set of Roman armour was unearthed in Kalkriese, Germany. Roughly 2,000 years old, it is one of the greatest examples of Roman military equipment ever discovered, we know it as the lorica segmentata. Consisting of 40 sheets of iron fastened together with leather and buckles, it’s the iconic type of armour that we associate with Roman legionaries today.
For the first time ever, this armour has left Kalkriese to be the star attraction of a brand new exhibition at the British Museum all about the Roman army: Legion: life in the Roman army.
History Hit’s Tristan Hughes headed behind the scenes at the British Museum to discover how the curators carefully rebuilt this 2,000 year old armour. Before heading to the exhibition and seeing the armour in its final form, where British Museum curator Richard Abdy explains all about this incredible piece, its design, surviving features, maintenance and evolution.
But also its gruesome story…Dating to c.9 AD deep in the ancient forests of Germany, this lorica segmentata is linked to one of the greatest defeats the Romans ever suffered: the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. The soldier who once wore this armour may well have been a victim of this devastating ambush.
Legion: life in the Roman army is open until 23 June 2024.
https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/legion-life-roman-army
Coming later this week:
Rome’s disaster: The battle of the Teutoburg Forest
Part one: The Great Betrayal
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