Scale armour (sometimes erroneously called "scale mail") consists of many small scales linked together (lamellar), riveted or sewn onto cloth or leather backing (brigandine). During the Roman times (lorica squamata) was a very popular alternative to mail (lorica hamata) as it offered better protection, especially against blunt damage. It was especially popular in Middle Eastern empires such as Persia and Byzantium where scales were commonly dished (armouring term used to describe hammering a depression into a flat piece of metal in order to create a 'bowl' effect. This type of work was most apparent in the elbow and knee cops of the European Middle Ages) in order to benefit from the extra protection offered by a rounded scale. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (2304x2676, 1055 KB) en:Scale mail, 175 a. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (2304x2676, 1055 KB) en:Scale mail, 175 a. ... A variety of fabric. ... Modern leather-working tools Leather is a material created through the tanning of hides, pelts and skins of animals, primarily cows. ... David rejects the unaccustomed armour (detail of fol. ... A map showing countries commonly considered to be part of the Middle East The Middle East is a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea, a territory that extends from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. ... The Persian Empire is the name used to refer to a number of historic dynasties that have ruled the country of Persia (Iran). ... The Byzantine Empire is the term conventionally used to describe the Greek-speaking Roman Empire during the Middle Ages, centred at its capital in Constantinople. ...
Historically, scales for such armour have been made of leather, bronze, iron, or steel; the use of a given material influenced primarily by the time period, geography, and purpose of the armour.
The Byzantine-style lamellar corset is called klibanion. It was often worn over mail, or with limb protectors made from metal splints. Sometimes a quilted surcoat (epilorikion) was worn over klibanion.
Therefore each scale had from four to 12 holes: two or more at each side for wiring to the next in the row, one or two at the top for fastening to the backing, and sometimes one or two at the bottom to secure the scales to the backing or to each other.
A large fragment of iron scale or locking scale armor, probably the collar cape from a lorica squamata, was found at Carlisle early in 2001.
The longer the strip, the fewer "half scales" there will be, though a few may be needed anyway for edges, etc. Cut the sides of the scales first, shown here as the vertical lines, then do the 45 degree angle cuts, each of which will detach a scale from the strip.
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