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. #CollectorsFairMarch2026