Ave, Imperator!

(I think thats appropriate, since you trump the lot of us.)

Mathew, have you read: The Roman Legions Recreated in Colour Photographs by Daniel Peterson?

A: Its a really good book, the first one I seriously read infact. He details several living history experiments. The conclusion there was that mail isn't a problem for a shield on a long march, but LS is.

D: Were such a thing to happen I think I'd rather wear mail. I can be fairly certain the mail won't break. I can think of plenty of instances when a barbarian would go for a two handed thrust, once you stuck a pilum through his shield for instance.

E: True, but you no mail lasts longer anyway.

As to my ability to retract statements. I have serious problems with the way knowledge is compartmentalised and entrenched these days. I find that anyone who is unwilling to alter his position is usually ignorant, in direct proportion to his stubbornness.

Oh, and for anyone who is reading this from the other boards. I find your willingness to look down on us lesser mortals quite amusing.