Description
One of the primary armor types worn by Roman soldiers as they expanded their empire, alongside the plated Lorica Segmentata, was the Lorica Hamata,an early form of chainmail armor that proved both durable and flexible on the battlefield. The original Roman lorica hamata was typically crafted from iron or bronze rings, painstakingly riveted together to provide protection without sacrificing mobility.
This particular replica captures that tradition using alternating rows of 9mm riveted rings and solid 16-gauge mild steel rings, fashioned into a sleeveless shirt that extends to about mid-thigh. The edges are reinforced with leather piping, folded and stitched to prevent chafing and wear. A square-bottomed, U-shaped shoulder doubling is attached along the back’s lower edge by a continuous row of rings, offering extra defense where the shoulders bear the brunt of blows. At the chest, a pair of S-shaped brass hooks riveted to the mail allow the front flaps to fasten securely onto studs, ensuring the armor stays in place during combat or long marches.
This construction,combining riveted and solid rings,mimics the strength and flexibility that made the lorica hamata a favored armor piece among Roman legionaries and auxiliary troops. The zinc plating helps resist corrosion, while the weight, around 16 pounds, strikes a balance between protection and wearability.
Specifications
Chest Size: 55 Inches
Construction: Butted
Ring Type: Round Mild Steel
Ring Size: 9mm, 16 gauge
Finish: Zinc Plated
Weight: 16 lbs
Sizing Info: Measurements are given with the expectation that the wearer of this hamata will find a fit similar to that of the historical armor.
Features
Mild Steel Butted Construction
Zinc Plated Finish
16 Gauge Rings for Durability
Fun fact: The lorica hamata was so effective and adaptable that it remained in use by Roman troops for centuries, even as other armor styles rose and fell in popularity. Its design influenced medieval chainmail armor across Europe, making it a true ancestor of later mail defenses.
