Lex Fridman Ancient Rome: ARMOUR - I Have A LOT To Say..

[@lexfridman]

I'm now officially fascinated with ancient armor thanks to this video. Great work!

[@metatronyt]

Hey Lex thanks! Fantastic to see you back here. You are the man! Thanks for the support and for your open mind, very much appreciated. Armour, whether it be from classical antiquity or from the Middle Ages, is such a deep topic you could literally dive into it and drop decades of your life in it. Plus armour is both functional and it looks cool. You should try and wear a historically accurate suit of armour yourself. It's an eye opener.

[@FireflowerDancer]

​@@metatronyt "Pathologically obsessed with armor" Love the enthusiasm, and the forthcomingness. 🎉🎉

[@FireflowerDancer]

Now I just need to watch the whole video 😉

[@6JUDGE9]

Lex watches Metatron?!? My beloved youtubers are getting more incestuous by the day.

[@DarkLawify]

We won him over!

[@Nissan300zx94]

Now we just need Metatron on Lex Fridman. That would be epic. I appreciate all you do man, Deo gratias!

[@woodwyrm]

I agree, that would be awesome!

[@MR-MR-ud5oo]

What would be the topic?

[@peterfyal4998]

​@@MR-MR-ud5ooice hockey

[@mrh4900]

Imagine if Metatron makes it on Joe Rogan. Lolll

[@boostedghost3182]

Is your 300 rhd ?

[@FernandoGarcia-zs9cp]

He was talking in pounds not kilos, so 24 lbs = 10.9kg

[@metatronyt]

Apologies. I knew he said pounds and in my mind I did say pound but I said kg.

[@dr.sergeykutzofykock9720]

I caught that too

[@tmkkxx101]

​@dr.sergeykutzofykock9720 well done great job!

[@yentasnivla]

@@metatronytbut he still said 6kg so around 60% of the weight given?

[@Riceball01]

@@yentasnivla ^weight

[@ΚωνσταντίνοςΧειρδάρης]

I am overdosing on Metatron and I am completely fine with it!

[@mohammadvahidi5483]

@@ΚωνσταντίνοςΧειρδάρης there is a god

[@CriticalEyeMMA]

Metatron is so wholesome it isn't possible to OD unless you are so enthralled that you forget to continue eating, drinking -- which may in some cases occur...

[@captainbear6188]

no such thing. one cannot have too much Metatron in their life

[@bernabereyes9726]

😂😂 me too and it feels good

[@barryhill2836]

I had to do a bunch of research on Linothorax when I was designing a range of Punic Wars Carthaginian miniatures. It's so fascinating how many variants and flavours there was. Just like plate armour, it really did seem that it was one of those areas where it was rife with personal upgrading and decoration - really highlighting the individuality of the wearer.

[@DemetriosLevi]

What's crazy is that we have an actual description of layered linen armor in the 12th century but instead of glue, it's wine and salt. Niketas Choniates describes it as the armor of Conrad of Montferrat in his battle with Emperor Isaakios II Angelos against the Byzantine usurper Alexios. Was this Byzantine armor that was given to Conrad? If so, does this mean that the linothorax never died out, was revised, or is this a new medieval method? Choniates: "He [Conrad] fought then without a shield, and in lieu of a coat of mail he wore a woven linen fabric that had been steeped in a strong brine of wine and folded many times. So hard and compact had it become from the salt and wine that it was impervious to all missiles; the folds of the woven stuff numbered more than eighteen." αὐτὸς μέντοι ἄνευ θυρεοῦ τηνικαῦτα διηγωνίζετο, ἐκ δὲ λίνου πεποιημένον ὕφασμα οἴνῳ αὐστηρῷ ἱκανῶς ἡλισμένῳ διάβροχον πολλάκις περιπτυχθὲν δίκην θώρακος ἐνεδέδυτο. ἐς τοσοῦτον δ᾿ ἦν ἀντιτυπὲς ἁλσὶ καὶ οἴνῳ συμπιληθέν, ὡς καὶ βέλους εἶναι παντὸς στεγανώτερον· ἠριθμοῦντο δ᾿ ἐς ὀκτωκαίδεκα καὶ πλείω τὰ τοῦ ὑφάσματος συμπτύγματα.

[@MR-MR-ud5oo]

How is that crazy?

[@DemetriosLevi]

@@MR-MR-ud5oo because most believe that this linen armor went out of use sometime in antiquity, but the fact that we have a clear description of it 1,400 years after its supposed "extinction" is pretty crazy.

[@Sossedovaidan]

thats neat man, nice find

[@neoaliphant]

I think Todd mentioned that one as well...

[@DemetriosLevi]

@@neoaliphant you're right, I think he did! I would love to see someone experiment with it, especially Todd and a team

[@VelikiHejter]

"It's not short, it's standard length" - I cried laughing

[@Romczy]

Hue hue hue hue short beniz

[@chuiduma]

I vote the Augustus or religion section next, but i hope you'll cover most of it!

[@MR-MR-ud5oo]

All of it!

[@jasonsomers8224]

I would like to see a review of the section on: law, Christianity, and of course, taxes. (Though I suppose I'd be interested in all of the podcast)

[@coreysteeegs8255]

Linen and glue. Sounds like a classical period Kevlar ballistic vest.

[@danielseelye6005]

Everything old is new again. 😁

[@Dowlphin]

My thought. Although, kevlar doesn't use glue, I think. So it would be a rough mix of the technologies of kevlar and carbon fiber composite.

[@coreysteeegs8255]

@@Dowlphin I agree. I meant that as their version of our Kevlar. Same idea but with the tech they had. Good call tho

[@campandcook3118]

​@@Dowlphin there are Kevlar/Aramid gard Armour plates, made with Resin bonding, often baked like CFK

[@nay.murray6097]

im most definitely no expert but from what i know from historical costuming , i think there would be a mixture of methods to make the linen armour. first linen is a very strong great fabric to use. it breaths well and also wicks moisture. it wouldn't surprise me if linens were specially made for the armour and could have possible been interwoven with things like horse hair to increase strength in one direction while leaving movement in the other direction. they could also have been starched to hold there shape. i actually think it may be surprising how good they performed, id love to see one . i have much respect for the professor for making his own linen, i have tried this myself and gave up quickly. trying to get enough product from flax thats good enough quality to even try and spin was painstakingly hard

[@ΕρνέστοςΣμίθ]

Prof. Aldrete has published a book about the exact method they followed to produce the linen. Reconstructing Ancient Linen Body Armor: Unraveling the Linothorax Mystery. You can find it for free online with a bit of googling. I think that they would use blanket woven material as the inner layer, perhaps made of felted wool or from coarser flax fibers. That would make it more affordable since the finer linen would be in more limited supply and would fetch a better price as clothing.

[@abyssjaeger]

Metatron talking about armour... WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY. Salud desde Argentina!

[@CriticalEyeMMA]

I want to move to Cordoba in the future. Argiebros are always sound. o7

[@ale_s45]

I love how they shot a guy wearing a linen armour cause they were so confident the arrow wouldn't penetrate then you watch a movie and knights in 15th century steel plate armour get annihilated by arrows shot at the sky and falling down

[@spartanonxy]

I would point out a lot of the danger of arrows vs knights was golden BB's. Throw enough down range and eventually you are likely to hit something that really doesn't handle that well. Actually piercing plate itself was likely pretty rare. But the idea linen would stop an arrow from anything resembling a war bow or even most hunting bows is absurd. You would literally be better off with a plant of wood.

[@ctrlaltdebug]

@@spartanonxy a bunch of paper can stop a bullet. I have no problem believing that enough linen can stop an arrow.

[@Riceball01]

@@ctrlaltdebug It takes a lot paper to stop a bullet and not all bullets are the same. Things like caliber, type of bullet (all lead, copper jacketed, hollow point, armor piercing, semi-amor piercing), weight of the bullet, amount and type of powder, and how much velocity is it achieving. All of those factors determine just how much paper it takes to stop a bullet.

[@Gefionius]

@ale dude have you not watched recreation tests by folks like Todd Cutler? 120lb warbows do not penetrate plate armor. At most you get a hit on an uncovered spot (like a joint protected by leather).

[@spartanonxy]

@@ctrlaltdebug Sure but that isn't what you are going to be wearing.

[@TheBigSpino]

I hope you're doing more episodes on this podcast. I just finished you're 3 videos (including this one) discussing this episode and would love for there to be more. Roman Law was a pretty interesting thing they discussed on how complicated Roman Law eventually came to be. I think that might be an ideal next episode for you. I also finished the podcast itself from Mr. Fridman's Channel. Excellent podcast episode I might add!

[@revenantronin8377]

20:48 I think he meant pounds not kilograms lol... you misheard that one.

[@metatronyt]

Apologies. I knew he said pounds and in my mind I did say pounds but I ended up saying kg.

[@Benevolent_Fafnir]

@@metatronytunacceptable Raph! You are in America now, we only use freedom units!

[@revenantronin8377]

@@metatronyt I understand completely haha... I also use kg, so I found it funny that I'm not alone in the confusion sometimes.

[@radimnechut519]

@@revenantronin8377 It's partially a European thing, you know...

[@vladtheimpala5532]

I don’t know anything about armor but I see how it could have been made from layers of linen laminated together. We have a similar material now called Micarta which is used for knife handles. I have some knives with Micarta handles. Of course this doesn’t prove that armor was made from such materials but it does indicate that it could have been possible.

[@Riceball01]

This is basically how modern hard Kevlar for things like helmets even boat hulls are made. Sheets of Kevlar fabric are laid down on top of each other at different angles and then compressed together with a resin. This is basically what's done with fiberglass and carbon fiber as well, layers of soft material sandwiched and held together with resin.

[@QualityPen]

Many armors have been made from multiple layers of textiles. The linothorax in and around the ancient Mediterranean, the aketon and gambeson in Medieval Europe, quilted suits in the Medieval Americas, and aramid fabric (ie: Kevlar) vests today. Textiles are stronger than steel and other hard materials by weight (though not by volume). Sometimes, harder materials and textiles are used together to cover for one another’s shortcomings. For example, modern infantry armor uses steel, ceramic, titanium, or polymer hard plates for protection against rifle rounds under an outer shell of Kevlar for higher coverage protection against fragmentation and pistol rounds. Hard plates are heavy and inflexible and thus cannot offer the same coverage as Kevlar without compromising mobility, while Kevlar is too flexible and thus cannot stop blunt force trauma from rifle rounds. Plate armor similarly layered textile or textile and mail under plates to ensure the best combination of protective qualities.

[@karisvenner3892]

I absolutely love the contrast of your nerdy beardy face showing up in samurai armour on your wife's poshmark. It feels like those catfishing profiles where the scammer just adds a photo of himself by mistake amongst the photos of models he stole from Instagram. "I sent you a picture of my samurai armour, please respond!" Best of luck for your autumn cleaning, it's often painful, but always worth it in the end. Cheers from France :)

[@BIG-DIPPER-56]

Lex should interview YOU ! 😎👍

[@oneill6291]

Yes! That would be amazing.

[@MR-MR-ud5oo]

About?

[@BIG-DIPPER-56]

@@MR-MR-ud5oo The price of Brazil nuts in Venezuela...

[@MR-MR-ud5oo]

@@BIG-DIPPER-56 wtf, lol.

[@bloodangel19]

​@@MR-MR-ud5oohe's being sarcastic, but in all honesty your question is a bit unnecessary. What else but history? Now what historical topic is up to them, should it happen

[@eternityhalo]

Like most things in life, there is likely more than one valid answer to the question of how the linothorax was made. You guys talked about the lack of standardization right at the start of the video. These were ALL hand-made, which means some regions they may have been made of glued layers, while in others there may have been woven or sewn. Regional variations are often seen in ancient objects like these.

[@celem1000]

Yeah, please do a video on damascus steel. My vague recollection is that what modern knife crafters call damascus is just a pretty pattern and that the original recipe calls for a specific coal of some sort from an area called 'wootz'.

[@Puppetmastersfool]

Again thankyou for doing this, I have reviewed my first impression of the prof, I guess I just found a couple of things he said and I find Lex heard to listen to, kudos to you for making this a lot more enjoyable and interesting with your added input, this has worked wonderfully, I look forward to your next.

[@BygoneUser1]

I've heard a lot of people discrediting the 'glue' method claiming it all stems from a mistranslation of a Byzantine source, and consequently is the least likely of the possible methods . In fact if you go to the EN wikipedia for 'linothorax' it says this: "Linen armour in other cultures was usually quilted and stuffed with loose fibre or stitched together many layers thick, but it could also have been made with a special weave called twining which creates a thick, tough fabric.[2] The theory that it was made of layers of linen glued together comes from a mistranslation of a summary of a description of medieval armour in 1869.[3][4]" I'd always thought this was the most likely method, personally, but it seems like a lot of people including academics regard it as nothing but a fabrication due to misunderstanding. I mean, of course absence of evidence doesn't mean evidence of absence-- but none the less kind of interesting. What is everyone else's thoughts on this?

[@Jorell420]

5:00 😥 the way he says Lorica Segmentata sounds like Hermaine from Harry Potter 😂

[@jlynn5680]

I'd love to see how your views on religion in Rome compares to his.

[@hatmanbuilder]

It's kinda sad that Met is selling his black samurai armor. It's kinda legendary on this channel

[@soulknife20]

When did Roman armor and equipment in general become standardized? Was it during the reign of Augustus during the Empire era?

[@thegodemperorofmankind1210]

The first standardised equipment was issued during the Marian Reforms of 107-100 BC

[@soulknife20]

​@@thegodemperorofmankind1210Ahh. Okay. Thanks

[@Restrodsworth]

After the Marian reforms when the Roman army became a full time professional fighting force.

[@Intranetusa]

​ @Restrodsworth That is a common misconception. Gaius Marius himself only commanded milita armies that disbanded after a few years of fighting. His reforms encouraging more volunteering (which others did as well) and lowering property requirements even further for joining the army. The Romans didn't become a mostly full time, professional, volunteer force until the early imperial era during Augustus.

[@Intranetusa]

@@thegodemperorofmankind1210 The equipment was not standardized during the time of Marius. The Roman army subsidized soldiers who purchased their own equipment who bought it from local producers. The Roman state was not really issuing standardized state-produced equipment like during later imperial times. Furthermore, the Marian Reforms isn't actually a thing according to modern scholarship (this was an 1800s AD idea) because the reforms were really a series of many different reforms enacted by many different people over a century - and they get mistakenly lumped together and attributed to Marius. For example, Marius himself only commanded milita armies that disbanded after a few years and the Romans were still using triplex acies troops (hastati, principes, triarii) combined with reformed cohort armies several years before Caesar's conquest of Gaul.

[@phantomarceus6387]

I know Metatron isn’t going to see this but there is a surviving Linothorax of sorts. There is a Cuirass found in the tomb of Phillip II which while made of Iron and decorated with gold it bears a striking resemblance to some of the depictions we’ve seen associated with Linothorax. It’s especially similar in shape, but not material to the one worn by Alexander in the Pompeii mosaic. Also if I’ve got anything wrong feel free to correct me.

[@anthonyoer4778]

Strictly for burial?

[@ΕρνέστοςΣμίθ]

Phillip's thorax is made of iron, but was covered in some organic material which has rotted away. The best guess is purple-dyed linen for the royalty bonus.

[@phantomarceus6387]

@@anthonyoer4778 Very likely, but with many prestige goods in burials they often reflect the real items used and worn in the persons life.

[@phantomarceus6387]

@@ΕρνέστοςΣμίθ I know

[@TheHornedKing]

I really like this series about just that one podcast episode. We're getting so much from it.

[@marksanders573]

I have his book (because of my own recreation of Mississippian armour), and as to your point, I 100% agree. I started fighting in armour because-as an academic (an archaeologist, professor and lecturer)-I wanted to actually understand what it was like to move and fight in 80 lbs of a full plate harness, and was tired of reading articles from academicians who obviously had no idea what it was like to wear it, fight in long combats in it, hold a shield and swing a sword in it. I developed a test model for how effective pre-modern armour systems were for the same reason: we can only learn so much from reading the histories. Before developing the PmDAT (or PmMAT for metallic defensive systems), no one had created a scientific model to actually quantify through practical testing just how protective it was (as much as I enjoy videos of people wacking or loosing arrows at armour). I’d love to use our PmDAT (or maybe a modified… PmCAT, I guess? Pre-modern Composite Armour Test?) to demonstrate his recreations’ defensive properties. People massively underestimate the defensive efficacy of organic defensive systems. I also very much agree with you contradicting one of Dr. Aldrete’s points: the creation of Pre-modern organic defensive systems (linen, wood, what have you) was not an ‘at home’ endeavor: craft specialists were absolutely the manufacturers. After personally creating 2 test panels of wooden armour for testing, I created a simulation just to get a rough idea of time and energy required on average (not to mention skill of manufacture, sourcing and processing of constituent materials, etc.) and no, this was not something done at home in spare time.

[@mattjack3983]

Metatron: I am pathologically obsessed with armour. Brother, i think that there are alot of us Noble Ones who share in this obsession with you, and we love you for it. We are all in the right place and in good company. 💯🤝

[@WwarpfirewW]

29:18 One down side of any metal production is its labor intensity, I really think that organic materials are really efficient in this way, you can gather them in great quantity. Metal deposits can be lost in a war, limiting production. As said later, the cost is the most important quality, rather fielding more soldiers with adequate protection than none. Would be interesting to know if weavers with skill of making armor were more numerous than metalsmiths.

[@ericvazquez2093]

I was thinking the exact same thing at 10:00. This is a great video, thank you for your work and diligence.

[@MrBasstate]

what a great channel you have, ive thoroughly enjoyed every video so far, and still have a more to catch up on. thank you very much.

[@CAP198462]

Something occurred to me just now. The linothorax depicted in the Alexander mural is elaborately decorated. How was it done and how common was it. I guess it’d also be interesting to know if armies had policies around it. Especially if it was done with paint alone, I imagine every soldier would personalise theirs, unless the commander said no.

[@cognitivedisability9864]

Loving this series, I also had some reactions when listening to the podcast, but in general I enjoyed it.

[@v0rtexbeater]

I definitely want to hear what you have to say about Augustus. I recently finished watching HBO's Rome for the first time so I've been reading a lot about him lately, specifically Agrippa and everything he did for the Empire.

[@CertifiedSunset]

The glued method sounds a lot like modern micarta with chemically bonded layers of glue and fabric. These days we use a clear epoxy resin soaked into materials like linen, paper, denim, and many other materials. These layers are then pressed into a flat sheet and left to cure until the epoxy hardens, it's an extremely durable material and many knife nerds like me love I since it becomes more grippy as a knife handle material the more you wear it down with use and when it gets wet like with sweaty or bloody hands. I understand these two materials aren't exactly a 1:1 but there are similarities. You can make your own micarta at home with some basic materials. Some people even cutt up old denim jeans they buy from thrift stores to economically resue material and get it cheaper. Just make sure that whatever material you use is as close to pure as possible. Some modern jeans have more flexible/breathable materials woven in to get elasticity to aid in comfort. These materials will make your micarta weaker than pure denim or linen. It's afun project to experiment with different materials like old potatoe sacks or even linen bed sheets you can dye to whatever color you like. The biggest enemy of micarta is air bubbles as that can cause weak points. It would be awesome to see someone make micarta armor.

[@A_Medieval_Shadow]

This video felt like it was jist 10 minutes long. Very entertaining, also felt like you were IN the interview which could have been very awesome

[@John2r1]

The La Tène C sword was made in the 4th century BCE by the Gauls. La Tène C swords were typically around 1 meter long. The La Tène period refers to the time before the Roman occupation of Gaul. So it appears that there were slightly longer swords around at the time. But the Romans chose the Gladius for their own reasons.

[@Liquidsback]

Probably has to do with balancing with the Scutum. A lot less awkward, as we also see as the Romans phase into the use of oval/circular shields the Spatha becomes standard. That's my theory at least.

[@Liquidsback]

Probably has to do with balancing with the Scutum. A lot less awkward, as we also see as the Romans phase into the use of oval/circular shields the Spatha becomes standard. That's my theory at least.

[@eXWoLL]

Wasn't mentioned in either video, so would like to add a bit here: An example of how strong could the ancient lynothorax be that we can see today, are the diy bulletproof vests made from fiberglass glue and sheets (you can find a bunch of "30$ armor" via youtube search), a few layers of this can stop 9mm bullets with ease, and combined with other materials (ceramic, steel) can even stop standard AR caliber rounds. And that coming from random guys with just access to the material and hands growing from the right place! As it was mentioned, a real professional back in the times would not only have the capability of creating glues either from animal or vegetal(or mixed) sources, but also would have access to centuries-old treatment methods for different materials that potentially could have dramatically changed the initial characteristics that would have drastically increased their defensive features. And we can't forget to add here that they would definitely have very specific weaving and construction techniques, that would add even more structural benefits to the final armor (we all see the wonders that the oriental armor-makers did with the resources they had avilable). Padded or elastic shock-absorbing layers could be added to the parts that are more open to sword or axes hits for example! The organic armor topic is as fascinating as the theories proposing the use of geopolymers in the ancient world (I remember seeing videos of people using some folk recipe from Peru, where they used plant extracts to create them).

[@koosh138]

Lindybeige had a great video on his "Lino-thorax" and how he had to put it on and fasten it. I also wonder if the "conflicting accounts" for making Linothorax is because of the pre-industrial and regional variations.

[@Broken_dish]

im also a history nerd so im loving this series makes me wish all of us could sit down and just geek out about this haha

[@loganchew1616]

Fashion goes in circles amd always follows practicality of the working man. Linothorax seems to be the Kevlar plate carrier of that time. Also it looks great.

[@chaost4544]

I like a lot of his ancient history videos. The one about what if an Ancient Roman were to appear in modern day was a very interesting one.

[@christiankirkenes5922]

I would love to see a video with you and Gregory discussing some obscure parts of ancient history or weaponry.

[@armin_koi55]

Roman armor and helmets were really beautiful

[@chuiduma]

I'm glad to see you're continuing to cover the different parts of this interview; I've been enjoying it! I'm curious if you're going to go over the trailer for Ghost of Yotei? Some people are (predictably) losing their minds over the female protagonist, though it's been a minority opinion; most people just point out that we don't know a whole lot about the game yet, but of course some people just love snap judgments and assumptions.

[@gwalon2089]

I love listening to theses episodes while I play videogames. It's like a podcast about a podcast.

[@Veryc0ncerned]

I must say I have grown increasingly excited as these videos go on, personally speaking I find these agreeance and fact checking videos of yours very fascinating and interesting

[@416dl]

I nti ed that Lex himself watched and appreciated your previous episode...travelling in good company. Cheers

[@hernerweisenberg7052]

39:30 What do you mean by "soldered together" layers? Are you sure you mean soldering and not welding or forge-welding?

[@Kargoneth]

@35:53 Why would you want an two-edged iron blade that was only carburized along one edge? I understand that it can be considered evidence of deliberate carburization, of course.

[@Kargoneth]

*a two-edged

[@moonasha]

you should do one of these with Dan Carlin's 12 hour Death of the Roman Republic podcast. Or the Celtic Holocaust which is about Caesar in Gaul, I think that one is on youtube

[@TheLiamis]

Hes a good interviewr. He allows people of all ideologies on a d doe t talk over them or try to entrap them. He just lets them say their piece and listens.

[@MostlyBored]

Hi Metatron! I know you made a video on the game Mount and Blade years ago, but have you considered trying MNB 2: Bannerlord? I think it’d be awesome to see you do a let’s play of that game.

[@Dan-sw8tg]

I second this !

[@JeffNeelzebub]

Hi Noble One. Now that you're in a free country, and you're obsessed with Armor, just wondering if you've picked up yourself a set of modern tactical armor, and what did you go with?

[@mikkel6938]

I, for one, would love to watch a whole video about metallurgy, and weapon-smithing, in the Iron Age. Bellissimo

[@OurFoundingLiars]

Thanks for commentating on lex cuz thats how i found you and ive spent the last couple days binging to the point i feel like a long time fan 😅

[@messgiuliano9277]

Bonjurnu Metatron! Pi fauri facci tutta la video, pure le tasse! Sunnu li mi fauriti ntô cannali! And in general please speak more about the Glorious Rome, kingdom, republic or empire. There can't be a world with too much information about it! All the best from the UK.

[@gaia7240]

A video about metals and swords would be so interesting

[@viktorgabriel2554]

Funny thing about Steal Metatron is in General steel is a really vague term as there are a lot of type of steel and many people only think of modern steel when they talk about it and even then you have a lot of types of modern steels

[@NikosGirginoudis]

The problem of inaccuracy with the armor they made is that, ever since the ancient times, cultivated plants have undergone generations upon generations of genetic improvements through selective breeding (among other methods). So, I am assuming that the linen they got out of the plants they grew must have been different than the one that was used during the ancient times.

[@toncek9981]

Yes, but then again there are variants of plants that are more primitive than modern commercial variants, so in theory they can come quite close to the ancient plants and materials. IMHO the largest problem is that the glued variant is pretty much their invention that doesn't have that much basis in history (not just in Greece, it wasn't done pretty much nowhere). Also, other experiments (like the one done by Todd in his videos) show that gluing is largely detrimental for the quality of layered fabric armor as it solidifies the layers and removes any give the quilted variant have, which is apparently large part of its resistance. BTW there's even a compelling argument for ancient linen armor being foreign rather then Greek (Alexander got his while campaigning in Persian empire, sources mentioning linen are talking about temple treasuries which were filled with loot from defeated foreigners, etc.), while the Greek linothorax (modern name btw) was probably called spolas and made of leather.

[@QualityPen]

@@toncek9981Depends on the glue and the incoming threat, I think. I made a linothorax style armor from canvas and wood glue, then covered it in acrylic. The surface was so tough that my falcata could only cut through one of 25-ish layers, then the glue and acrylic would catch on the bevel of the blade and prevent it from pushing in further. Also, rigidity is essential to dispersing kinetic energy over a wider area, otherwise blunt force trauma is inevitable when hit by a strong blow. Even with glue, there should be some give. Have you ever seen what a Kevlar helmet looks like before and after catching a bullet? Before it’s a solid shell with layers attached to one another. After, there is massive back face deformation and the layers visibly delaminate. That’s not to dismiss whatever tests you may have seen, I’m just saying it’s hard to generalize like this. There are upsides and downsides to any approach, and a lot depends on the specific armor implementation and threat.

[@hollywoodpotato5289]

Megatron geeking out is a glorious thing to behold (32:34 to 41:32). We are truly blessed.

[@paulpolito2001]

The combination of you and Lex brings a level of pedantry that speaks to my Academic soul. I like it.

[@paulshri8609]

Fascinating watch...even tho I've got work tomorrow 😂😂😂 can't wait for next episode whichever you choose

[@boraonline7036]

I agree that having a degree is no obligation for issueing your opinion towards someone who has one. Imagine everyone just keeps their mouth shut just because some nonsense of a "hirarchie on paper"? That would be convienient fro some who just don't want their opinions or what the think is the truth, challenged. But I know where the comment from that viewer coems from that said, how dareyou to talk against a professor. Some got raised the way to accept authorities without questioning. But I think that's the wrong way, because history showed where that can lead us.

[@Descahill584]

Hey pedantic one!! LOL 😂😂 Metatron I absolutely love your passion for the subjects that you cover mate. I would really like to find out your background. Me missus thought that you are a professor. Anyway I learn much from the content. Cheers mate

[@IncontenentiaButtux]

Wait, how is the armour potraited at 3:53 not a Lorica Segmentata? Would love to learn

[@j.m.murdoch2570]

Excellent question. I think Metatron was saying that since the subject being discussed was the republican period, that showing a representation of the mailed version of legionary armor would have been better. That is definitely lorica segmentata in the image shown.

[@IncontenentiaButtux]

@@j.m.murdoch2570 Okay yeah that makes complete sense.

[@tomgerlach4489]

I really like it when you enhance something you largely agree with. 2 thumbs up.

[@jamoecw]

As for what topics you should talk about, it doesn't matter as long as you are interested. There is a guy (Max Miller) that makes historical food and when he goes into the history of the food it is very interesting because he is interested in how the food fit into history. As long as your interest shines through it will be good, if it doesn't it will be bad.

[@Jungleer]

I know they are separated by time, place and culture, but I'm reminded of Japanese armor when hearing about and seeing Linothorax. In your experience, are there any similarities between the two? Perhaps a shared technique or pattern?

[@stalhandske9649]

9:13 -> Leopold von Ranke has joined the chat. 18:06 -> Yep. Several accounts from World War II (that I know of) have soldiers surviving direct rifle bullet hit to chest thanks to a prayer book, diary or such being in a right pocket. 27:10 Germans making super glue in 0 AD. Should have seen that coming. 30:35 A bronze armor being completely recyclable is an added bonus. Just melt the old armor, recast it, and there you are.

[@XDRONIN]

@metaronyt Regarding Armour, I think it is also important to remember that most soldiers would inherit their armor from their parents and grandparents, old armor would be refitted generation after generation, and wealthy people or soldiers and commanders would have probably afforded better materials and better-made armor and when looking at the armor of someone like Alexander the Great, his armor was very likely rare and very expensive made with the best fabrics

[@travisadams4470]

I vote for a podcast covering slavery, religion and Roman industry

[@MR-MR-ud5oo]

All of it! Alexander the Great for dessert.

[@Darkurge666]

I just realized I have watched you since you had long hair, then cut it short and now it is long again. So either your hair grows really fast or I have watched you for quite some time! 😂

[@ItalMiser117]

I heard (according to studies) that Italy during the Imperial era was utterly diverse. Tons of people from the near east and eastern mediterranen. Then during late antiquity this changed and Italy was "italian" again. How so?? Apparently italian (this case native italic) people from the countryside/villages repopulated the cities after the wars, epidemics (Gothic Wars/Justinian Plague), famine..

[@johngalt7713]

Interesting, thanks for sharing.

[@Liquidsback]

Also, I believe before that, a lot of People who lived in Rome may have migrated to the newly founded or refounded Constantinople as well. Possibly seeing opportunities to start over in a new Imperial Capital. Much like how many Greeks migrated from Greece due to opportunities in the new cities of Alexandria, Antioch etc, in the Hellenistic era.

[@SurplusMarket]

Definitely want to see the fall of Rome. In university, I had a history class where our assignment was to write a report on a random Roman emperor, at any period during the empire, and funnily enough, I drew the straw for Romulus Augustulus, the last official Western Roman Emperor. I know he was little more than a puppet to his father Orestes, but doing research for the project, it was fascinating learning not only about the state of the Empire at the time, but the state of the culture and civilization, as well, so I would love to see not only the professor's take on that period, but your deep-dive elaboration into his comments.

[@ParameterGrenze]

Lol. He is so giddy about the vid. Instant like.

[@Baleur]

Just FYI including AI generated text blurbs in the video description to try to game the algorithms dont work well. Actually it has the opposite effect as most recommendation algorithms can detect ai-generated content and score it LOWER than hand written original keyword phrases.

[@deotank]

The only issue about this whole conversation is that it ignores to mention experimental archaeology, which is quite an interesting area of research, especially in my focus which is prehistory. In fact, most prehistorians actually know and can 'knap' or make stone tools and its knowledge is extremely helpful in understanding the technical details of the actual artefacts that we recover from the field. I do believe that classical archaeologists do dabble in experimental archaeology too..

[@metatronyt]

I totally agree which is why I did mention that and went on a whole tangent about it

[@nextlifeonearth]

When looking at Damascus steel and wootz, do take a look at fd knives, a channel here on yt that makes wootz pattern knives. Those are some nice examples of modern day Damascus steel.

[@AndyJP]

Almost finished with the Lex Fridman saga arc of the Metatron show! 😁

[@mawortz]

its basically a bulletproof vest of the ancient world

[@MarceloHenriqueSoaresdaSilva]

It just a gambeson or aketon, nothing magically.

[@MAKGaming30]

This might seams like I'm a bit wo wo but If time travel is possible I think Philip would have been a beneficiary of this getting technology way ahead of its time. Because most people talk about Alexander the Great not realising just how extraordinary his father was and how he's the true great.I'm not saying that Alexander wasn't amazing but he only was able to do what he did with the platform he was given.

[@billnorris8457]

There was that home forge show. So there is no shortage of hobbyists or pros available for projects.

[@RedScare360]

Very interesting, thanks Metatron! With all the garbage that's on the internet these days, we're in the golden age of long-form interviews. It is wonderful that at our fingertips, we can go down rabbit-holes on just about any topic you want.

[@joshzimmerman527]

Just found this channel. It's excellent. 🤙

[@jacquelyns9709]

Considering flax, does it still exist in the wild? We do have some linen surviving from prehistoric times. Have any studies been done comparing them to modern linen?

[@yugenheorte6828]

Really happy for Metatron to have something to react to that isnt a threat to his blood pressure for once xD

[@jacobmiller6289]

i am a simple man, i see metatron content on my timeline, i click metatron content on my timeline. fantastic to see a reasonable, measured historical discussion channel amongst the political motivated quagmire of youtube's historical content community at large

[@BrianJ1962]

@21:00 (ish) The professor gives the weights in Pounds (lbs), not kilogrammes - 1k being roughly 2.2 lbs ...

[@micahkeren-zvi9208]

i’m curious, what did left handed roman soldiers do? would they fight left handed? and if so, did this interfere with the uniformity of a line? or would they have trained using their dominant hand as their off hand?

[@metatronyt]

They were forced to fight right handed

[@micahkeren-zvi9208]

@@metatronyt now i know. thank you;)

[@20thcenturyboy85]

Awesome video! Great expansion and discussion on the topic!

[@metatronyt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Grandwigg]

His about focus on practical not theory possibly explains some bits that Raph is disagreeing with. I've loved this series.

[@beebarfthebard]

"how often do you think about the Roman Empire as a woman " Only as often as I'm binge watching Metatron.....often....it's daily 😂

[@FinancialShark]

Fascinating commentary on lex's pod, really adds another layer to the discussion, thanks

[@LordSesshaku]

As a lawyer that had to study roman law in college, I'd like to see your teammate "that is really good" (sic) at roman law. I'll be consuming that eagerly.

[@ctrlaltdebug]

On thermal cycling the sword: would that be quenching and tempering?

[@travisadams4470]

That's what I was thinking

[@AndyJarman]

Silk is reknowned for being strong, I wonder if glued silk armour would have been more effective? Not sure they had access to silk?

[@coltizz]

Hey Metatron! Long time fan here! Really appreciate your work! Most listen to it while I’m going to sleep. So I have not commented much before. Sucker punch the ones that made the game Ghost of Tushima has now come out with a new game called the ghost of Yotei. And you now instead of playing as Jin you play as a Female Samurai. Personally not a huge fan or playing female warriors from historic time but that got me thinking. How accurate is it that female Samurai fought in wars and killed multiple men? I know they existed but from my understanding they did not play a large roll and most of them protected the household. Would love if you could breakdown this in a video! Thanks for the amazing content!

[@Dan-sw8tg]

He made a video about it already, I think youve seen it already?