Lorica scale armour fragment

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Fragment of scale armour( lorica squamata)

Field collection: Excavation Carpow legionary fortress,Abernethy, Perth and Kinross
Collected by Wilkes and Leach

Donated by Trustees of the Late Mr WT Smith
Museum number 1987-184-1=2

Bronze scales,flax linen backing material and leather collar.
Scale armour was widely used by the Roman infantry and cavalry over a long period of time. It was flexible and provided good protection. There are many illustrations of lorica, but actual finds are rare, especially with the leather and textiles still intact. This lorica was deliberately buried when Carpow was abandoned and was probably damaged and awaiting repair.