Roman Chainmail Lorica Hamata, 9mm Butted Spring Steel

Roman Chainmail Lorica Hamata, 9mm Butted Spring Steel

Detailed Product Description

Before you is a classic Lorica Hamata in the typical Roman style. The cut is sleeveless and reaches to mid-thigh, allowing for free leg movement in combat. The body of the armour is densely woven from steel rings in a 4-in-1 pattern. The most prominent feature is the doubled shoulder section, which provided additional protection against slashing blows from above. These shoulder panels are trimmed with genuine leather and are joined at the chest with a historically accurate and decorative brass hook-and-stud fastening system. The entire armour is made from butted spring steel rings (16 gauge), which are significantly stronger than rings made of ordinary mild steel.

Please note: The tunic and belt (cingulum) shown in the photos are for illustrative purposes only and are not included with the product.

Who is the Lorica Hamata for?

This armour is perfect for:

• Roman History Reenactment: The essential armour for legionaries, auxiliaries, and cavalry from the Republican era to the late Empire.
• Portraying Celtic Warriors: Mail armour has its roots with the Celts.
• LARP and Fantasy: A versatile and classic mail shirt design for any military character.
• Collectors and History Enthusiasts: An iconic piece of ancient military technology.

Important Notice on Combat-Readiness

This is an item of butted mail. Although the spring steel increases its strength, this armour is NOT SUITABLE for full-contact combat, such as HMB or buhurt, where the rings could be forced open. For these activities, we exclusively recommend riveted armour.

Size Chart

Before selecting a size, please measure yourself carefully over the garment (tunic) you intend to wear underneath the armour.

The Lorica Hamata in History

The Lorica Hamata was incredibly successful. Its use is documented from the 3rd century BC until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, a service life of roughly 800 years! It was the primary armour of legionaries during the Republic, and even after the introduction of the famous plate Lorica Segmentata in the early Empire, the Hamata remained in service with auxiliary corps (auxilia), cavalry, and even some legionaries. It was flexible, relatively easy to repair, and provided excellent protection against slashing weapons.

A Fun Fact from History

The invention of mail technology is attributed to the Celts, specifically the tribes in Gaul. The Romans, masters of adopting and improving foreign technologies, quickly understood its advantages and made it a standard part of their military equipment. It is a perfect example of how cultural and technological exchange shaped the military history of the ancient world.

How to Care for Your Armour

This armour combines three materials, each requiring specific care:

• Steel Rings: Always dry and wipe down the armour after use. To prevent rust, regularly treat it with a thin coat of preservative oil (e.g., WD-40, Ballistol).
• Brass Fastenings: Brass will naturally tarnish over time. To restore its shine, use a soft cloth and a brass cleaning polish.
• Leather Trim: To prevent the leather from becoming hard and brittle, treat it at least once a year with a leather conditioner, beeswax, or balm.