13/01/2026
The Extraordinary Discovery of the Lorica Squamata: the Only Surviving Roman Armor
In 2020, during an excavation in the ancient city of Satala in northeastern Turkey, a Roman Lorica Squamata armor was unearthed in incredibly pristine condition, dating back to the 4th–5th century AD. Restored and reassembled, it was officially presented by experts last week.
The Lorica Squamata, or “scale armor,” takes its name from the small overlapping metal plates that resemble the scales of a fish. Widely used by the Roman army, this armor was favored by high-ranking soldiers for its unique combination of flexibility and protection. Unlike the more rigid Lorica Segmentata, the Lorica Squamata was made up of small bronze or iron scales sewn onto a fabric or leather backing, ensuring greater freedom of movement.
The innovative design of the Lorica Squamata made it highly adaptable to the needs of the Roman army, offering significant advantages in combat thanks to its flexibility. However, it required careful maintenance to prevent rust and damage and was relatively heavy. Despite this, the ability to replace individual damaged scales increased its practicality and longevity.
