Ancient Roman Bronze Lorica squamata (9 pieces)
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 550 - € 650
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Description from the seller
ITEM: Lorica squamata (9 pieces)
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 4th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 25 mm x 30 mm to 24 mm x 22 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: English private collection; acquired in the 1970s.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
The lorica squamata was a prominent type of scale armor utilized by the ancient Roman military, particularly during the middle and late periods of the Empire. Unlike the rigid plates of the lorica segmentata or the interlocking rings of mail (lorica hamata), this armor consisted of small, overlapping metal scales—usually made of bronze or iron—sewn onto a fabric or leather backing. These scales were arranged in horizontal rows, wired or laced together through small punctured holes, creating a protective layer that resembled the skin of a fish or a reptile.
One of the primary advantages of the lorica squamata was its balance between protection and ease of maintenance. While it was arguably more vulnerable to upward thrusts that could slip beneath the scales, it provided excellent defense against bludgeoning blows and downward strikes. It was also significantly easier to repair than mail; if a few scales were damaged or torn off in battle, they could be replaced individually without needing to reconstruct the entire garment. This practicality made it a favorite among centurions, standard-bearers (signiferi), and certain cavalry units who required both status-defining aesthetics and reliable durability.
Visually, the armor was often a symbol of rank and prestige, as the scales could be polished to a high shine or even silvered to create a dazzling effect on the battlefield. Although it fell out of fashion for a time in favor of other designs, it saw a resurgence in the later Roman Empire due to its effectiveness against the weaponry of Eastern adversaries, such as the Parthians and Sassanids. Today, it remains one of the most recognizable icons of Roman military engineering, representing a sophisticated blend of artistic craftsmanship and functional warfare technology.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Lorica squamata (9 pieces)
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 4th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 25 mm x 30 mm to 24 mm x 22 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: English private collection; acquired in the 1970s.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
The lorica squamata was a prominent type of scale armor utilized by the ancient Roman military, particularly during the middle and late periods of the Empire. Unlike the rigid plates of the lorica segmentata or the interlocking rings of mail (lorica hamata), this armor consisted of small, overlapping metal scales—usually made of bronze or iron—sewn onto a fabric or leather backing. These scales were arranged in horizontal rows, wired or laced together through small punctured holes, creating a protective layer that resembled the skin of a fish or a reptile.
One of the primary advantages of the lorica squamata was its balance between protection and ease of maintenance. While it was arguably more vulnerable to upward thrusts that could slip beneath the scales, it provided excellent defense against bludgeoning blows and downward strikes. It was also significantly easier to repair than mail; if a few scales were damaged or torn off in battle, they could be replaced individually without needing to reconstruct the entire garment. This practicality made it a favorite among centurions, standard-bearers (signiferi), and certain cavalry units who required both status-defining aesthetics and reliable durability.
Visually, the armor was often a symbol of rank and prestige, as the scales could be polished to a high shine or even silvered to create a dazzling effect on the battlefield. Although it fell out of fashion for a time in favor of other designs, it saw a resurgence in the later Roman Empire due to its effectiveness against the weaponry of Eastern adversaries, such as the Parthians and Sassanids. Today, it remains one of the most recognizable icons of Roman military engineering, representing a sophisticated blend of artistic craftsmanship and functional warfare technology.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/ Timeframe
2nd - 4th Century A.D
Name of object
Lorica squamata (9 pieces)
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
United Kingdom
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
