Greek Linothorax Cuirass, Linen and Leather Body Armour - Outlet

Greek Linothorax Cuirass, Breastplate of Linen

The linothorax was made of several layers of linen cloth glued together, with a total thickness of about 0.5 cm. The main part of the shell was a kind of wide ribbon with cut-outs near the armholes, which was wrapped around the body and fastened on the left side. The lower part of this main part was cut in the form of ribbons, which covered the upper part of the hips, without restricting the movement of the legs. Another layer of cloth was attached from the inside, the pterugi of which were placed opposite to the cuts of the pterugi of the outer layer. On the figure of the warrior the pterugs formed a kind of festooned skirt, sometimes they could be detachable. A U-shaped piece was attached from the back, the ends of which were thrown over the shoulders and fixed on the chest (marked with letter F on the scheme). When detached, these shoulder pads, due to their elasticity, straightened out and took a vertical position. Such shoulder pads sticking out from behind can be seen on some ancient Greek images, and it gives a good idea about the degree of elasticity and rigidity of the glued fabric. Sometimes the linothorax could be additionally covered with metal plates or scales. A replica of a linothorax without metal parts made by historian Peter Connolly weighed 3.6kg, while an antique cuirass with under armour weighed about 6kg.

By the late 6th century BC, many paintings and sculptures show hoplites and other warriors in the Aegean wearing the linothorax instead of a bronze cuirass. This could have been due to the lower price, lesser weight, or cooler material. Artists continue to show it in the Hellenistic period after the death of Alexander the Great. The Roman emperor Caracalla equipped a "Macedonian phalanx" with linen armour around 200 AD (Cassius Dio 78.7)

The exact structure of a linothorax is unknown, as only a few fragments have been found and reconstructions have to rely primarily on artistic representations – e.g. vase paintings. Today, research assumes that the original linen armour had several layers of linen glued on top of each other, for example with hide glue, which made the fabric laminate quite stiff and tough. Depending on the wealth of the owner, the armour could be additionally reinforced with bronze, which was usually sewn on in the form of small plates (scale armour). However, in most cases the armour was painted, and the lower part was cut into fringed strips. Linen armour was mainly designed in the form of a flap armour. From the 4th century BC, simpler linen armour was also increasingly used, which was not glued but padded with wool. This form was visually reminiscent of a quilt and was often dyed red. In the 5th century BC, the linen armour developed into the most important form of armour for Greek hoplites, because it was lighter and cheaper than a bronze breastplate, and it also moulded perfectly to the wearer's body due to body heat.

The linothorax was also adopted by the cavalry of the Persians, among others.

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