Promotional Information

Aldrete, Bartell, and Aldrete present innovative, fascinating research that reshapes our understanding of ancient Greek warfare. -- John W. I. Lee, University of California, Santa Barbara

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
The State of Linothorax Scholarship and Typologies of Greek Armor
The Structure of This Book
Methodology and Audience
1. Ancient Evidence for Linen Armor
Literary Sources
Linen in the Ancient World
Visual Sources
2. Structural Variants and Decorations on Type IV Armor
Structural Elements I: Shoulder Flaps
Structural Elements II: Shoulder Flap Ties
Structural Elements III: Pteruges
Structural Elements IV: Structural Elements IV
Decorative Elements I: Painted Designs
Decorative Elements II: Color
Distinctive Aspects of Etruscan Type IV Armor
3. What Material Was Used to Make Type IV Armor?
Leather versus Linen Construction
Sewn versus Laminated Construction
Composite Construction
4. Reconstructing the Linothorax
Developing a Basic Pattern
Fabrics and Glues
The Lamination Process
Heroic Nudity and Armor Length
Decoration
Thickness
5. Arrow Test Methodology and Materials
Arrow Test Rationale
Test Patches
Arrows and Bows
Arrow Test Procedure
6. Arrow Test Results
General Observations
Less Significant Test Variables
Hand-Produced versus Modern Linens
Laminated versus Sewn and Quilted
Different Arrowheads
Depth of Penetration and Lethality of Injury
Angled Shots
Test Results Compared to Ancient Source Testimony
Testing Other Types of Attacks
Arrow versus Unarmored Warrior
Arrow versus Test Patch: Test Result Tables
Linen versus Metal Armor
7. Wearability Issues
Potential Vulnerability to Moisture
Waterproofing Experiments
Durability and Repair
Range of Motion, Mobility, and Fit
Heat, Weight, and Endurance
8. Economic and Social Considerations
Labor Required to Construct a Linothorax
The Cost of Linen Armor
Cost and Availability of Leather versus Linen
Large- Scale Production
Gender Issues
Conclusion
Appendix: Database of Visual Sources for Type IV Armor
Black-Figure Vases
White- Ground Technique Vases
Red- Figure Vases
Stone Sculptures and Reliefs
Terracotta Sculptures and Reliefs
Metal Objects
Paintings
Notes
Bibliography
Index

About the Author

Gregory S. Aldrete is a professor of humanistic studies and history at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. He is the author of Floods of the Tiber in Ancient Rome and Gestures and Acclamations in Ancient Rome, both published by Johns Hopkins. Scott Bartell is an independent scholar who has published and presented on linen body armor and Alexander the Great. Alicia Aldrete is coauthor (with Gregory S. Aldrete) of The Long Shadow of Antiquity: What Have the Greeks and Romans Done for Us?

Reviews

Reconstructing Ancient Linen Body Armor is essential for anyone interested in ancient warfare and/or experimental archaeology, from academic to layman, and is a defining and valuable contribution to our understanding of the ancient world. -- Christopher Matthew Bryn Mawr Classical Review Anyone interested in archeological textiles, historical textiles, historical reenactment, military history, costume construction, or flax and linen should consider this fascinating and unique book. -- Joanne Robbins Hicken The Complex Weaver Reconstructing Ancient Linen Body Armor is a model example of the benefits that can come from creative engagement with historical re-enactors. -- Peter Thonemann Times Literary Supplement