Evolution of Roman Armour - Kingdom, Republic, Empire

[@marcello7781]

As a guy who loves drawing old uniforms and ancient soldiers, this video is like an early gift present. Grazie mille!

[@manjimbo9830]

Do you have any artworks i can see ?

[@johnnydi2231]

@@manjimbo9830 Lol. I was gonna ask the same. That's something that sounds very interesting to me.... And apparently you, as well. 🙂👍🏻

[@marcello7781]

I haven't publish yet because I'm trying to improve (drawing metal realistically it's kinda tricky) so most of my drawings are sketches so far.

[@beatnik6806]

@@marcello7781 check out "the knight of art" he does really cool and historically accurate drawings!

[@Bootsofspeed3]

Check out Osprey books. They are where Metatron is getting his illustrations. Look them up online.

[@RicardoMoralesMassin]

The Greeks, Etruscans and other tribes: Do a thing The Romans: WRITE THAT DOWN! WRITE THAT DOWN!

[@sonofashepherd6668]

*Carthage waging naval warfare* Rome: Interesting 👀

[@dragonworldraid9738]

This is how technology and nations develops. For example China. +30 years making copies of everything until they have become what they are today

[@TheCaniblcat]

The smart create, the great steal.

[@dragonworldraid9738]

@@TheCaniblcat the great steal? What kind of mind do u have? The scum, is who steal

[@johntitor1256]

We are the Romans. Your cultural and technological distinctiveness will be added to our own. You will be assimilated.

[@ΘΕΟΦΑΝΩΚΟΜΝΗΝΟΣ]

Fun fact: Roman armor saw more continuity on western Europe between the Holy Romans and parts of North italy where Roman military tacticians like Renatus Vegetius and Tacitus were deeply studied while Byzantine warfare and equipment was deeply rooted on the Seleucid-Hellenistic armory and equipment where Greek-Hellenistic military tacticians like Onosander and Aelianus were studied.

[@matthewneuendorf5763]

Based on the manuals, I'd say the Avars had more immediate effect on medieval Roman kit than the Seleucids did.

[@ΘΕΟΦΑΝΩΚΟΜΝΗΝΟΣ]

@@matthewneuendorf5763 Its a good asumption. Still the Byzantines developed in the Eastern Hellenic mediterranean so it would fit better into the context plus we have archeological evidence.(12th-century fresco of Joshua from the monastery of Hosios Loukas) I also wrote the article of "Byzantine battle tactics" on Wikipedia specifiying what equipment and if we go to the manuals of war, the very strategikon recommends Byzantine generals to suit their armies with the armor of the "ancients" (Seleucid armies) if the situation requested.

[@julianshepherd2038]

And in the USA they wear this stuff to play rugby. Like soft lads.

[@meep3035]

julian shepherd sports are far from warfare.

[@zurgesmiecal]

​@@julianshepherd2038 US football is officially gay. Educated people knew that even before it was made official in 2021

[@lucadegregorio5189]

Could you make a video on the training regimen for legionaries and auxiliaries? Keep up the the Great work!

[@bakerboy8910]

Thank you for the video noble one. I must admit, my fascination with antiquated weapons and armor has waned over the years, but I still come back to your videos time and time again.

[@Meevious]

There is also a kind of armour from the era of the Republic that has not just one, but three circles, providing similar protection to a partial muscle cuirass. It's often associated with the Samnites, but has been found in Etruscan areas too, so I think it was very likely also used in Rome and could be called another kind of cardiophylax.

[@Intranetusa]

What an amazingly detailed video on the complexities and nuances of the evolution of Roman armor. Even throwing out the Hollywood segmentata stereotype, it's interesting to know that the Romans used circular heart protectors and even butted mail in their earlier eras.

[@debilita9999]

That moment when you click on youtube and Metatron has new video which he posted 10 SECONDS AGO!!! LETS GOOOOO

[@LeonidasSparta-Fun-History]

Great Topic! Not quite finished the video yet but i am also currently making a video of this same topic but for Hoplites lol! Great work mate!!!!

[@LeonidasSparta-Fun-History]

@Avocado Panda thank you!

[@KroM234]

I started to watch thinking "yeah well I already know everything about it, but what the hell" and managed to learn something actually. Just a question about the Segmentata: Are you aware of the latest finding from the Teutoburg battle site? The segmentata with the rounded upper shoulder parts? It is really interesting and shows that the types or early segmentata were probably more numerous than what we thought.

[@xxxchild_predatorxxx107]

Source?

[@KroM234]

@@xxxchild_predatorxxx107 you have the painted reconstruction in the article, which is in French though. It states that this is the first segmentata armor of this style found yet.

[@stax6092]

I would have liked to see you talk about how the Segmentata evolved the protective sleeve, I think that's a big step but I don't see it often and was wondering about it.

[@masonclark9110]

I have had a long day now ima relax and watch this amazingly smart KZbind

[@darrenjones2933]

If you haven't already, I'd like to see you do some videos on the Cataphracts of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. Great work and thank you for your videos.

[@thebigone6969]

Only the Metatron could manage to make a short video like this that covers so much history!!!! The Metatron is the greatest genius known to man!!!

[@Hotchpotchsoup]

Wtf, he's great but saying he's the greatest genius known to man is completely bonkers xD

[@thebigone6969]

@Viktor Jönsson I think you need to stop being so hateful towards a genius like the Metatron!

[@dr.bluesfield3629]

@@Hotchpotchsoup but he's absolutely right!

[@Hotchpotchsoup]

@@thebigone6969 there's no hate here 👀 you're hateful!

[@thebigone6969]

@Viktor Jönsson please take your hate elsewhere.

[@zoukatron]

Ok, good video, but I have some, I hope constructive, criticism. You have given a nice overview of the different types of armour used, but it feels to me (at least on the basis of the title) that not enough attention has been paid to the evolution of those types through the different periods. It almost feels like this video was meant as an introduction to a series on the topic (nudge nudge wink wink).

[@marcus1992000]

I have a feeling their isn't enough evidence, to make a definitive video of armor evolution.

[@troydodson9641]

Well, I think it is a depth introduction. An hour long video can intimidate some into not watching. Someone searches Roman armor, this hopefully comes tip top. It's a good one too, I buy books to feel smart, and it misses some of these bits, still learning

[@sjwoo13]

Dang. So this video isn't about the evolution of roman armors? Feelsbadman. Thought he would talk about the origins of the roman army and its armor and how through it's expansion and fighting with different cultures they adapted new gear, improved upon them and how their load out changed over the different periods.

[@magnushorus5670]

Your videos are getting better and better. Seriously thank you for sharing your knowledge. Good luck with your channel

[@shad0wwarrior475]

Very nice video. I learnt a lot and I hope for maybe an Eastern Roman/Byzantine armour evolution video in the future. Keep up the great content!

[@phyrr2]

Absolutely love your presentation and narration style. Your knowledge and perception gives a more wholesome look on the topics you present. High quality content sir!

[@ravenguard0098]

Will you do a video/s about specific roman legion(e.g your fave) someday? Like the Legio X Fritensis for their exploits in Judea and their roles in the war against Mark Antony and Cleopatra

[@alpharius4966]

Legio Ii Parthica would be very interessting .They had somewhat of an elite status in the late imperial army and usually belong to the sacra comitatus the emperors personal army

[@magnemerstrand2289]

There are so many of these kind of videos on youtube, but you really know your stuff and go indepth, love it!

[@David-ni5hj]

I was exactly thinking about this!!! Thanks Metatron!!!

[@chrisbrodhagen3658]

Thank you for the bronze thing, I am a material science guy. Bronze isn't one set thing it is a category of copper alloys just how there is different grades of steel.

[@matthewneuendorf5763]

Those Etruscan lamellar look surprisingly similar to depictions of klibanion lamellar from the medieval Roman period. I'd love to see this continue with the lorikion, bambakion, epilorikion, klibanion, and so on.

[@nikitakuznetsov8446]

Hey Metatron can you please do a video on Roman Greece during the Republican and Imperial Roman rule? I would love to see if life in Ancient Greece improved under Roman rule, worse ed or stayed the same.

[@franciscofunari2343]

I miss this kind of content

[@derenbong]

We all know how long Metatron has been waiting to make this video! 😝🥳 to finally showcase us all his Roman military collections!

[@BRAgamer]

Wow, a whole video on the more Indo-European tribal looking ecquipmet of Antiquity. Amazing video!

[@ReviveHF]

It is interesting to look at the evolution of the Roman Armour's evolution, especially since during the 2nd century AD the Roman armour and uniforms started to look more like the Medieval European counterpart while the Early Republic era they look like the Greek Hoplites.

[@mnk9073]

Awww, no mention of the most awesome of all early body armors: The CHAD triple-disc cuirass... (peak the Ksour Essef one)

[@arthurgaultier2136]

Ooooh that's exactly what I was looking for on KZbin ! I love you mate thank you

[@metatronyt]

My pleasure!

[@MrTryAnotherOne]

For the construction of the Lorita Squamata I would look to the armour that the carolingian warriors were wearing after the fall of the Roman Empire.

[@A.G.798]

The Romans Imperial Amor looks ( Lorica Segmenttata) very Nice and good.

[@at1_a]

I've always wondered how effective and popular the manica was. We know that they used them even before the dacian wars (finds at carlisle around AD 80 - 90). But how much movement did it restrict? Judging by how it only covers one side of the arm, was it really enough to prevent injuries? I'm hoping you can cover it in future videos

[@Anti_Woke]

Guilty! I confess I thought the segmentata was used more widely and for much longer. Thank you for setting me straight.

[@jasondoherty7497]

Metatron would you be able to do videos on Roman auxiliaries, allies, other ancient nations and mercenaries

[@omegasimpf1nn5terfan60]

yesss,thank you metatron :)

[@strangeperson700]

Love the audio quality! My headphones are at 10% volume and I still hear everything! 🤩

[@metatronyt]

I'm glad to hear ;)

[@andriipshenychnyi9692]

Thank you. I waited for something like this since video about evolution of knight armour.

[@Goldenleyend]

Plumata was ceremonial and you cant convince me otherwise

[@WelcomeToDERPLAND]

Cataphracti Legionaries will always be the 'Iconic' roman armor in my opinion.

[@Jaris84R]

Great as always

[@giuliomomente115]

Man as always top notch content! GG!

[@squid310861]

Another excellent and informative video. Thank you Metatron

[@wimmer3324]

Can you cover the equipment of soldiers in the byzantine period too?

[@steffenb184]

As you also said, I guess the soldiers handled the whole thing more practical than we might think. I mean during years of service with winters, battles, rain, transporting, training etc. I am pretty sure that many armor pieces just got old/ broken/worn. And so I guess during a campaign they just used what was there. Looting armor, buying at local blacksmiths, combining pieces etc. I am also pretty sure the men customized and adopted their armor to their needs and in regard of the enemies they fought.

[@Mewantsgothgf]

You just made my day with that video,Romans wore some cool armours.

[@rogerlacaille3148]

Very clear, very concise, very informative..thank you Maestro !

[@inquisition_5753]

armor worn by late imperial legions looks kinda nice, IMO.

[@holygooff]

Exceptionally interesting videos lately!

[@bentaylor9768]

Regarding the plumata or lorica hamata squamataque, there are quite a few surviving fragments and two full(ish) sets (although they were rolled up so we basically have two cilinders of corrosion...). I wrote a little article for my studies but in Polish. Would recommend the works of Martin A. Wijnhoven that you can find on Academia, he had some time spent with a few of the surviving bits and he's done a lot of nice drawings. Overall it was an extremely expensive type of armour, but existed all over the empire as traces of it were found on the British isles, in Germany and in Thracia

[@sergiomarques2922]

Nice! I love this kind of topic! I would like to see more videos about the etruscans. Recently I red some books about them and I realy start to like them!

[@cahallo5964]

6:06 I like to believe that was actually medieval mail and my man is just tossing around a historical treasure

[@chabis]

Very interesting video! So many styles and peoples inventing them!

[@luciusdomitiusaurelianus8826]

Hello! What it be possible to ask for a video on later period representation of military dress? Such as the 4th century onward to perhaps the late 5th. I've always been fascinated by late antiquity styles.

[@krymsonuchiha14]

I'm so happy you have these videos. I'm trying to write a book based on when the Roman's took over Greece and I needed to see what they looked like so my protagonist could rip it apart... (my own mythology thar includes vampire like beings are mixed into it so she's not exactly human)

[@hanszecrusader379]

Another banger metatron!

[@mrandersson2009]

The famous roman armor designer Giorgius Armanius made the Roman soldier look dangerous yet classy.

[@Azrael79a]

I find it amazing that the armor's appearance barely changed over the course of hundreds of years lol. Reminds me of how in The Elder Scrolls the Empire has been using the same armor for thousands of years lol.

[@mattclements1348]

I've been lookin for something like this ty

[@gigantorize]

Am always impressed with the information about Roman history Metatron presents. In this particular video while it has nothing to do with armor what is most interesting is to freeze frame @ 13:20 and what do we see? We are told this piece of art is carved by legionnaires themselves and so its' accuracy is quite unquestionable. What we see is a Roman legionnaire...and his 'Celtic opponent' and we are told they are on the outer extremities of the Roman sphere of influence in 'Gaul'. The opponent is clearly on his knees. This is a birds' eye view of the size difference between an average Roman legionnaire and a Celtic warrior. If the Celt stood up next to the Roman soldier he would be at least 3 to 4 feet taller. Academia' not only tries to replace historic realities with erroneous and downright objectionable information such as Metatron cited in a recent video but also 'hides' certain information that does not fit in with 'the narrative'. Occasionally however what is hidden is sometimes able to 'sneak through the cracks' and we should take notice of it.

[@gigantorize]

@CipiRipi00 Checking more into the art work we find other carvings of the Tropaeum Traiani in Roman Civitas Tropaensium showing an Indo-European Dacian giant and another panel of the Tropaeum Traiani with a Roman soldier battling a Dacian giant on its knees such as what Metatron showed in this video. {Note this is circa 109 BC.} Interesting how they located these carvings around modern day Romania that is located to the immediate northwest of the Black Sea. One historian Charles DeLoach commented regarding the 'Cimbri' or 'Cimmerians' - "After making their way overland by the northern route, occupied for a time the country above the Euxine or Black Sea around the Palus Maeotidis ..... When they again felt the irresistible urge to roam they continued westward, eventually settling east of the Rhine, in Germany. They afterward established themselves as far north as Denmark and also colonized Belgium. Acmon's hordes, meanwhile, having advanced by the southern route first settled in 'Cappadocia' and 'Galatia', then later on the southern shores of the Black Sea. From there they spread into Gaul which today we call France and also across Spain where they assimilated with the 'Iberians' (and thus became known as the 'Celtiberians')." Being as prolific in Europe as they had been in Asia, 'Gomer's oversized children' soon overspread a vast territory - - from the lands east of the Rhine to the Atlantic and from the Baltic Sea to the coasts of Spain. They also inhabited Switzerland and some northern parts of Italy, especially around the Adriatic." Modern historian, Gerhard Herm in his book "The Celts: The people Who Came Out of the Darkness" , St. Martins Press, 1977 agrees that the Celts were "blond giants" who struck terror in the hearts of every foe, even among the most powerful of mighty Rome. As such the Celts fought several ferocious wars with Rome and captured, sacked and burnt many Roman outposts to the ground. Although the Romans would eventually devise methods of defeating these giant warriors...attacking long legs that couldn't be guarded by the massive shields these creatures carried, the blue-eyed, blond giants inspired terror among those facing them in battle for the first time. It is fascinating how Rome was able to overcome these giant hordes with strict discipline and determination through being lead by military geniuses such as Roman general and statesman Gaius Marius BCE 157 - 86 and Julius Caesar BCE 100 - 44. Of course not all Celts were giants. The average size giants among the Celts probably towered no more than a foot above ordinary men. But within the ranks of giants were some monsters who rose to a gigantic stature even by modern standards. At the utmost divergence from the mean, some Celts even stood as tall as, or taller than the nine-foot-nine Goliath, or even Og, who required a bed over thirteen feet long. In upper Asia, Mesopotamia and Asia Minor these plunderers were known as the "Gomarian Sacae'. But once they settled in Europe they decided to shed their derisive name, which means "robbers", and began calling themselves the 'Celtae' (pronounced "Kelti") which denotes "potent and valiant men". The Greeks, however. understood them to say "Galatai", while their Roman neighbors heard their name as "Galli". The aborigines of France, meanwhile, called them "Gauls". This fast-expanding nation that comprised the Celtic peoples and the giants commanding them, according to Strabo (BCE 63 - AD 24) eventually grew to some sixty different tribes - each with its own name.

[@JackTortels]

Thanks for this beautiful video!!

[@MLCloneCODgamer]

What is that haunting music playing around 1:58?

[@charlesdeleo4608]

So that’s what those shoulder pieces are called in Latin! Interesting. I know them by their Greek name: Epomides.

[@Uniqp23]

Great 👍 classification of Roman armour throughout the timeline of ancient Italian history.

[@patricialavery8270]

Always like the look of the Fishscale armor in drawings.Those drawings of guys in very brief tunics with a pot lid over the chest are just weird.Nothing to cover the legs or Family Jewels ?

[@Nervii_Champion]

The Italian tribes, including the Romans during the classical Greek period around 500BC looked so badass, especially the Samnites and southern Italian tribes, and they also lived next to Greek colonies so they had gear influence there, too. That isn't to take anything from others though, we all have our favorites. The Marian era Romans under Julius Caesar looked stunning in their equipment, too. Those horse hair plumed Romanized Montefortino helmets were POPPIN, SON

[@antmanatthemoment7233]

Looking like a boss in that Armour, dude!

[@konsyjes]

I appreciate you Metatron. You bring good knowledge when the world has gone crazy

[@syeducchash2301]

Loved the video. ❤

[@borromine]

Una merviglia!!! Molto bene! Interesissima!!

[@rohit_parashar]

Damn, I was somehow reading about these changes in Armor. Thanks Metatron.

[@markkringle9144]

I would suspect that with the huge size of the Empire, there were regional variations, of armor and helmets. So much so that you could tell where the unit came from by thier gear. A Legion would probably have unit traditional norms, as well as unit shops for making and repairing armor.

[@agustincifuentes3223]

excellent video bro keep it up

[@TheCaniblcat]

Where was this video when I was doing research into the various types of Roman armor a few weeks ago? I was trying to figure out the difference between squamata and plumata.

[@mrcampo19]

"builds time machine asks a Roman what they called it" "We just called it armor"

[@Iledomair]

Love these breakdowns

[@timwhite5562]

I have to imagine that smiths working with arsenic bronze likely didn't need to worry too much about saving for their retirement.

[@Diogolindir]

loved this

[@domjohnson9188]

Brilliant video I love you brother

[@VosperCDN]

Modern ballistic plates are just updated Cardiophylax, covering the central vital area.

[@davefinfrock3324]

Form follows function.

[@Dowlphin]

This video was sponsored by Squareplate.

[@Bo-hu6pc]

Great video, thank you!

[@terryolsson4145]

Thanks again. Your history lessons are "rivotting" !!

[@metatronyt]

I'm glad to hear

[@paultowl1963]

Informative, thanks!

[@peterrasmussen6720]

I was hoping for more on the late Roman empire the late 300s and the 400s. I would like to hear your take on the conventional wisdom that the Roman army almost shed its armor near the end.

[@metatronyt]

That would be the follow up of this video, if the video does well

[@jeffreyjeffrey1935]

Metatron is such a cool dewd

[@robbierobinson5798]

You should make a video on the accuracy of the armor worn by different factions from historical Total War games.

[@dorkecivres]

METATRON, YOUVE SPREAD YOURE WINGS, I DID NOT YET AND I FEEL A SPIRITUAL WAR . CAN YOU HELP?

[@bobfg3130]

The first armour in the 10th, 9th century BCE to 5th was...bought from craftsmen. Craftsmen did different shapes or made the chest plate according to the instructions of the client so of course there was variation. This applies too all armour worn at the time. I've learned about a few more types of armour and other things. Thanks. Also, I don't know how much the Etruscans copied the Greeks.

[@chopy2013]

Good job!

[@jasondoherty7497]

Metatron I have some questions about monarchies from pre world war 1 backwards. 1st was the first born son always guaranteed to be the first in line and what reasons would exclude them 2nd what would happen if the oldest son/s were twins 3rd what positions would the younger brothers fill in the state such as would they be generals, politicians, administrators or the top nobility 4th would bastard sons or half sons such as Alexander the Great being half Macedonian and Epirus be excluded from succession due to not being pure blood

[@fransbuijs808]

It's impossible to answer all those questions, but I will give you one example: when Emperor Septimius Severus died, he told his sons Geta and Antoninus (known as Caracalla) to stay together, take care of the army and not care about anything else. Within a few years, Caracalla had murdered his brother and became the sole Emperor. He did take care of the army, though.

[@pp-wo1sd]

1) 1st son was almost always first in line , though depending on the type of inheritance his father's possesions may be split inbetween the brothers (eldest still gets the best part) . Bear in mind this varied greatly between different periods and cultures . As for excluding them , that would usually be due to either mental/physical defects (depending on the period, he may have still been the rightful ruler , but would not recieve much support) and/or disinheriting . Some cultures had specific laws on who could rule , for example among the irish the ruler had to have all his nipples so cutting them off meant he could not rule. I believe the byzantines had a similar thing except the ruler could not be blind . 2) incase of twins , I guess they would just pick one and say he came out first . 3) This also very much depends on the period and culture . For the later part of the middle ages the younger sons would either be trained to preform a military role or to become a part of the clergy . Similar practice carried into the early modern era , where younger sons would be bought a comission (officer role) in the army/navy , become a part of clergy or politicians . 4) Also depends on the period . Bastards were generally included but as a last resort even if they were older . As for half bloods they in theory were identical to full blooded ones , but may not be as favored by the local nobility .

[@Grandmastergav86]

Wonder if Metratron will ever stream a Total War title?

[@FluffyNoble]

Please do a video on Hadrians wall Roma Britania , Haidrians wall has got to be one of the most ambitious projects taken on by the Roman's It makes you wonder , why not just concur all of Britain? Why stop at Scotland and take on this massive expensive feat in building Haidrians wall? It's so Cool , I visit the wall and Vindolanda often

[@BTRsAreAwesome]

The legionnaire are probably my favorite soldiers

[@30Salmao]

I missed a timeline with pictures and the periods the armour probably showedup in time. Maybe some parallel lines one for each armour. Loved the video, your content is always high quality of research. Thank you Metatron for you effort and time teaching us history. :)

[@meirnachman717]

I remember a few years ago you said you were going to make a video about the evolution of samurai armor. Still waiting.

[@Izzyknight15]

Excellent video. See if you can get an interviewer with Peter Connolly, his drawings got Generation X into Roman history

[@Izzyknight15]

Sorry, just realised he’s dead….

[@WhackyBC]

I wonder how the Segmentata compared to most medieval military armors (before full plate of course). I’m kind of surprised Knights didn’t wear some version of it, is there any reason for this?

[@LuxisAlukard]

Nice video, I like it, even though it feels kinda rushed and short for topic this wide...

[@gabrielinostroza4989]

It's funny that a lot of fantasy "Barbarian" armor is essentially Kardiophylax but worn with a ton of leather straps over the naked chest(see Skyrim) instead of over cloth.