Roman Chainmail Armor Lorica Hamata

Roman Chainmail Armor Lorica Hamata, Riveted and Solid Rings 9mm

History and Combat Use of Roman Chainmail

Although many people primarily associate Roman legionaries with plate armour (lorica segmentata), it was actually chainmail, known as lorica hamata, that formed the backbone of Roman protection for most of the Empire's duration. The Romans first encountered it on a large scale during their wars with the Gauls in the 3rd century BC and immediately recognized its advantages. A specific feature of the Roman version is the doubled mail on the shoulders, designed to protect the warrior from the devastating downward slashing blows of Celtic longswords. Today, this armour is perfectly suited for living history, Roman festivals, and LARP.

Please note that for safety reasons, this armour is primarily intended for reenactment and light stage combat. It is not designed for extreme heavy full-contact combat with steel weapons, such as modern buhurt (Battle of the Nations).

How to Properly Care for Your Chainmail

Chainmail made from mild steel is susceptible to air moisture and sweat, thus requiring regular maintenance to prevent rust. After each use, the armour must be wiped dry and thoroughly oiled—WD-40 or the popular Ballistol oil work excellently. Store it in a dry place, ideally wrapped in an oiled cloth or a sturdy bag. If light surface rust does appear, it can be removed by careful scrubbing with a brush or the traditional method of tumbling the armour in a barrel with sand or dry sawdust.

To ensure maximum comfort, proper weight distribution, and effective shock absorption against blows, we strongly advise you to wear a thickly padded undergarment beneath this armour, known to the Romans as a subarmalis.

Technical Specifications of the Lorica Hamata

Chainmail Size Chart

When selecting your size, remember that you will be wearing thicker padded clothing (a tunic and a subarmalis) underneath the armour. The chest circumference listed in the table should be measured over these underlying layers.