Greek Linothorax Cuirass – Lord of Battles

The Greek Linothorax Cuirass was a widespread armored defense for warriors of the Greek world in the 7th and 6th centuries BC and it is commonly depicted in Greek art and noted in several written sources. Despite its apparent universality little is known of the exact composition and construction of the armor due to the inability of its components to withstand the degradation of time. What is known is the general appearance of the armor from visual sources and the fact that linen was probably used as at least one component, though to what degree and in what manner remains unverified beyond educated conjecture.

This recreation of a Greek Linothorax is made from thick 8-9 oz high quality leather and its exterior is faced with panels of linen which are finely stitched into place. This manner of construction ably replicates the appearance of the Linothorax Cuirass without dealing with the substantial stiffness that comes with many layers of linen bound with glues. This construction also gets around the issue of maintaining glued layers of linen and managing the weakening that occurs to that traditional construction in particularly humid or wet weather.

The chest of this Linothorax is emblazoned with the leering visage of the Gorgon which is finely cast in antiqued brass and riveted into the armor. A tasset skirt of thick leather Pteruges is integrated and durably stitched into the armor on both its front and back. The armor is donned by lacing thick cords through its integrated ring fasteners of antiqued brass on the shoulders and sides of the armor and these lacings can be adjusted to best fit the wearer.

Linen or Linen-composite torso armor was not only common to Greek warriors, but they were also used extensively by the soldiery of Alexander the Great and it was a common sight on the Italian Peninsula in both the Greek colonies and among the Etruscans. A practical armor it is easy to see why it was so widespread in the Hellenic world; the armor is light by nature and relatively affordable to create, particularly when weighed against bronze armor on both these counts. It is unknown whether the Linothorax was made entirely from Linen or whether it was a composite armor that had extensive amounts of leather as well. The stiffened armor panels could naturally bend in curved forms when worn and this greatly aided in deflecting the force of projectiles. Not only was the reduced weight over bronze armor a boon to the warrior within, it also was cooler to wear and ideally suited for climates of the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. It was common for warriors to further upgrade their armor by incorporating bronze scales or plates directly over the linen torso for further protection.

SIZING INFO

Medium

Interior Circumference: 39 – 45 (adjustable)

Length: 29 (Neck to Bottom of Leather Pteruges)

Weight:

Large

Interior Circumference: 43 – 49 (adjustable)

Length: 29 (Neck to Bottom of Leather Pteruges)

Weight: 7 lbs 8 z

SIZING INFO

X-Large

Interior Circumference: 48 – 54 (adjustable)

Length: 29 (Neck to Bottom of Leather Pteruges)

Weight: 7 lbs 13 oz

Please Note: It is common for the leather to have some light scuffs or scratches on it. Rubbing them over with a leather oil can blend them back into the leather. This treatment may darken the leather where the oil is applied so it is best used sparingly and evenly over a treated leather surface.