Linthorax

[Danest]

Is linthorax supposedly better protection on some levels than leather/cuirboilli? It seems this linen armor is not uncommon among the hellenic phalanx troops, so I'm assuming it is better than leather, but I can't help but be shocked that... _linen_ of all things is better than hardened leather.

[Pharnakes]

Hi, I'm not entirely sure about this but my understanding is that the linothorax has been hardened by some process (probably involving oil) to produce a product rather like "lino" that you put on floors. This provided better protection in a melee as it is harder than leather, but it was very vulnerable to missile fire due to its somewhat brittle tendencies (hence ekdromoi hoplotai wearing leather and bronze scale). Also linen was cheaper than leather and could be produced in sheets of any size rather than a sheet the size and shape of a cow (due to it being woven), and, finally it was generally cheaper than leather.

Hope this helps.

[Danest]

Ah, I suppose, then, if you could make linthorax, leather of all sorts would be completely obsolete...

[antisocialmunky]

I thougth that linothorax was linen layering with a leather core.

[Pharnakes]

Ah, I suppose, then, if you could make linthorax, leather of all sorts would be completely obsolete...

No, i don't think so it was still better in certain situations, and after all linen was only obtainable in the Mediterranean. (or similar climates)

[abou]

Linothorax was made from about 15 layers of linen glued together - that is, if I am remembering correctly. The linen was made stiff just through the process of being soaked in glue and then furthermore by being so thick. The armor was quite good, all things considered, and would be akin to trying to cut through a phone book, but stiffer.

If not stored correctly, however, I think it could still sag a bit and become deformed and hence the importance of a stand of some sort to rest it on.