Roman Lorica Segmentata

This lorica segmentata is built from 18 gauge mild steel, giving it the solid presence of genuine Roman plate armor. The fittings throughout are cast brass, matching the original pieces this design is based on.

This is a torso and shoulder armor, built from horizontal steel girdle plates that wrap the chest and back, with articulated curved plates layered over the shoulders. The photographs show the front closure laced with leather cording through brass fittings, with buckled straps at the sides.

It weighs 25 lbs, which is in line with a full steel lorica segmentata built to cover the torso and shoulders in 18 gauge plate. That weight comes from the layered banding construction that made the original Roman design both protective and flexible at the joints.

This armor is sized to fit chest sizes up to 44 inches, measured over garments. It is meant to be worn over a tunic or padded undergarment, as was standard practice with the historical original.

This piece follows the classic lorica segmentata design associated with Imperial Roman legionary armor, with segmented horizontal plates at the torso and articulated shoulder guards. It's built for reenactors and collectors looking for that instantly recognizable Roman military silhouette.

The horizontal steel bands are riveted and hinged with brass fittings, including decorative floral and roundel-shaped hinge plates, allowing the shoulder segments to move and flex. The front closes with leather straps and lacing run through brass buckles and medallions, matching the fastening methods used on the historical original.

Keep the mild steel plates wiped down and lightly oiled to prevent rust, especially after handling or humid storage, since this is bare steel rather than a stainless alloy. Condition the leather straps and lacing occasionally and store the armor dry to keep both the metal and leather in good shape.

Built from 18 gauge steel with brass fittings and adjustable leather straps sized to fit up to a 44 inch chest, this lorica segmentata is constructed as wearable armor for reenactment, LARP, or display. Its articulated shoulder plates and torso bands are designed to move with the wearer the way the historical Roman original did.