Antique armour
Ancient armour not only fascinates history enthusiasts, but is also an indispensable piece of equipment for re-enactors, film productions and stage fighters. In this category, you’ll find replicas made of steel, brass and leather – from the classic lorica segmentata to Greek muscle armour. The 39 items include both complete suits of armour and individual components such as arm guards, greaves and gladiator accessories, with prices ranging from around €17 to over €670.
An overview of the most famous types of ancient armour
Lorica Segmentata
Horizontal steel plates, connected with leather straps – the Lorica Segmentata is the most famous symbol of Roman military power. Available in the historical variants Corbridge A, Corbridge B and Newstead.
Lorica Hamata & Squamata
The Lorica Hamata, a flexible chainmail, was the oldest and most widespread type of armour in Rome. The Lorica Squamata, made of brass or bronze scales, adorned officers and cavalrymen.
Greek armour & gladiator armour
The Greek muscle armour, made of bronze or brass, epitomises the aesthetic of Spartan warriors. Gladiator armour such as the galerus and manica form a distinct category for arena depictions.
What is the Lorica Segmentata? History and structure
In Latin, the word ‘lorica’ simply means ‘armour’ or ‘protection’ – a term used for several types of armour worn by the Roman army. The best known of these, the Lorica Segmentata, consists of horizontal steel plates connected by leather straps and metal hooks, forming a flexible protective armour for the chest, back and shoulders.
Historically, three main types can be distinguished: Corbridge A and Corbridge B – named after the site where they were found, Corbridge in northern England – as well as the later Newstead type, which differs in its fastening mechanism and strap arrangement. The earliest archaeological evidence comes from Kalkriese, the presumed battlefield of the Battle of Varus (c. 9 AD). As standard equipment for legionaries, the Lorica Segmentata was in use at least from the 1st to the 3rd century AD; it was probably increasingly replaced by more flexible chainmail in the 3rd or 4th century.
A faithful replica made of carbon steel weighs around 7 to 9 kg depending on the design – comparable to a modern rucksack, but comfortable to wear thanks to the weight being distributed across the shoulders and torso. The Corbridge A variant is particularly popular for re-enactments, as its hook-and-eye fastenings allow it to be put on and taken off without assistance.
Who are antique armour replicas suitable for?
Individual components such as hook-and-eye sets for the Lorica Hamata or simple arm guards offer a budget-friendly way to get started. Aluminium versions of the Lorica Segmentata for children (from approx. €100) are lightweight, safe and ideal for school projects or family re-enactments.
Robust steel armour with leather construction is suitable for ancient scenarios at LARP events or in stage combat. Gladiator pieces such as the brass galerus or the polished steel gladiator collar can be combined as required. Re-enactment groups focusing on Roman legionaries or Greek hoplites will also find a full range of individual parts here.
Complete scale armour (Lorica Squamata) made of brass, embossed Praetorian greaves or elaborate Roman phalerae sets made of tin-plated brass are aimed at collectors, museums and production teams requiring visually authentic display pieces or props.
Materials and quality grades of antique armour replicas
| Material | Suitability | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon steel (1.6–2 mm) | Re-enactment | Lorica segmentata, sleeve, muscle armour |
| Brass | Historical | Scale armour, greaves, phalerae, galerus |
| Aluminium | LARP / Children | Children’s Lorica, lightweight re-enactment armour |
| Leather | Historical | Underlay, straps, backing |
| Tin-plated brass | Decorative | Phalerae fittings, focales, torques |
High-quality replicas can be recognised by details such as a crimped edge, hand-stamped markings and functional hook-and-eye fastenings. These features are not only visually impressive, but also improve the fit and durability for everyday wear. For a complete legionary costume, it is worth taking a look at matching Roman swords, helmets and Roman belts.
A comparison of Roman armour types: Segmentata, Hamata and Squamata
- Horizontal steel plates, connected with leather straps
- High protection for shoulders, chest and back
- Typical of legionaries of the Imperial period (1st–3rd centuries)
- Elaborate manufacture, relatively heavy (7–9 kg)
- Replica production requires precise metalworking
- Iron or bronze rings, interlinked
- Very flexible, comfortable to wear
- The oldest and most widespread type across all eras
- Also common among auxiliary troops and officers
- More affordable entry-level options available in chainmail
- Individual brass or bronze scales sewn onto a leather backing
- More prestigious and decorative in nature
- Common among officers, cavalry and Praetorians
- Full replicas are complex and expensive
- Visually particularly impressive for exhibitions
Care and storage of antique metal armour
Steel parts should be treated with an acid-free oil or special weapon oil after every use to prevent rusting – particularly after contact with sweat or rain. Brass components such as greaves or scale armour can be refreshed with a mild polish; whether you prefer a shiny surface or a historically authentic patina is up to your reenactment goals.
Leather straps and frames – the backbone of many ancient armours – should be treated regularly with leather grease or leather oil and checked for cracks. Cracked straps can quickly give way when worn, endangering the entire armour structure. For storage, a wooden stand for torso armour is recommended, as it maintains the armour’s shape and prevents deformation caused by pressure on one side. For transport, padded bags or wooden crates are ideal to avoid scratches and deformation.
Tip: Aluminium versions for children are easier to care for – a damp cloth and occasional drying are usually sufficient.
Greek armour: muscle armour, linothorax and greaves
Alongside the Roman tradition, Greek armour culture represents a distinct aesthetic of its own. The cuirass (Greek: thorax), made of bronze or brass and shaped to fit the body’s musculature, is the symbol of the classical Greek warrior and the Spartan hoplite. In modern replicas, it is often made from armour steel with a bronze finish or from pure brass – both variants are available in our range.
Historically, the linothorax served as a lighter alternative – a breastplate made of several layers of glued linen, which was accessible to ordinary hoplites. A complete hoplite outfit includes greaves (knemides) made of brass or bronze: handcrafted with a flanged edge and individually adjustable in size thanks to the natural elasticity of the material. Together with a Corinthian or Attic helmet and a round shield – available under Medieval and Viking Shields – this creates a harmonious ensemble.
The Spartan aesthetic, in particular, is enjoying growing popularity in re-enactment and at ancient LARP events. Those wishing to complete their kit will find suitable ancient swords and ancient knives in the related categories.
Whether you’re putting together your first set of legionary armour for your next re-enactment or looking for a full set of scale armour for a film production – in this category you’ll find antique armour replicas to suit every need and budget. Have a look around and put your kit together piece by piece.
Frequently asked questions
The most famous Roman armour is the Lorica Segmentata, a scale armour made of horizontal steel scales connected by leather straps. It was particularly common among the legionaries of the Roman Empire (1st–3rd century AD) and is today regarded as the symbol of the Roman soldier.
The Lorica Segmentata is a scale armour of the Roman army, consisting of several overlapping steel strips that are movably connected to one another via leather straps and metal hooks. Historically, a distinction is made between the Corbridge A, Corbridge B (named after the English site where they were found) and Newstead types, which differ in their fastening mechanism and strap arrangement. The earliest finds come from Kalkriese, the battlefield of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest around 9 AD.
A faithful replica of the Lorica Segmentata made from carbon steel weighs around 7 to 9 kilograms, depending on the design and size. This is roughly equivalent to a fully loaded rucksack. As the weight is distributed across the shoulders, chest and back, it is more comfortable to wear than this figure might initially suggest.
The Lorica Segmentata is a scale armour made of steel strips, which primarily protected legionaries during the Imperial period. The Lorica Hamata is a chainmail made of iron or bronze rings – the oldest and most widespread type of armour, flexible and used by many types of troops. The Lorica Squamata consists of individual brass or bronze scales on a leather backing and was particularly popular with officers, cavalry and Praetorians.
The Lorica Segmentata was in use from at least the 1st to the 3rd century AD. In the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, it was probably gradually replaced by more flexible and easier-to-manufacture forms of armour such as chain mail (Lorica Hamata). Precise archaeological evidence for the end of its use is scarce, as organic materials such as leather rarely survive.