| smacdowall | 17 Apr 2015 1:38 p.m. PST |
link
This rather interesting frieze showing late Republican/early Imperial Romans is in the Arles archeological museum. The mix of kit and unusual forms of armour have rather sparked my interest.
More photos on the blog
link
Simon |
| Swampster | 17 Apr 2015 1:50 p.m. PST |
Interesting mix.
That last helmet reminds me of some of the types here link
especially the top too.
Possibly a Boeotian/Celtic mix. |
 BigRedBat  | 17 Apr 2015 1:59 p.m. PST |
Very interesting- I've never seen that before. Lots of scale armour, which one rarely sees on miniatures of that period! The last chap in the Boeotian; just possibly a marine? I've seen images of marines in Boeotians, and Arles was a major port not too far from the naval base at Forum Julii. Best, Simon |
| GurKhan | 17 Apr 2015 3:30 p.m. PST |
Nice pictures; I've seen odd bits of the relief, but not as much as this. I'd have said that last helmet was a Gallic Agen type rather than a Boiotian, myself. Is the 6th figure in the first picture wearing a padded subarmalis? |
| Temporary like Achilles | 17 Apr 2015 5:53 p.m. PST |
Interesting. Thanks for the post! Anyone know any more about the rectangular scutum mentioned? |
 oldbob  | 17 Apr 2015 9:38 p.m. PST |
I've always scratch my head when viewing this relief. I do think GurKhan might be right about figure 6. |
| smacdowall | 18 Apr 2015 2:49 a.m. PST |
Yes I had forgotten about the Agen style helmets. That style does seem to be more of an influence than Boetian.
Simon |
| BigRedBat | 18 Apr 2015 3:50 a.m. PST |
I still wonder whether the helmet might be greek- the reinforcing plate or pressed out area on the brow has a shape very much like the one on the brow of a Boeotian cavalry helmet on p21 of Le Soldat Lagide by Stephane Thion. This curls up at the sides as one sees on quite a few hellenistic helmets and also has the cheek plates. The indents in the brim look more pronounced than on the Agens, more like a Boeotian. Interestingly, it also seems to have the remains of two feathers, one on either side of the helmet, which I didn't notice yesterday. A splendid helmet, whatever the origin! |
| smacdowall | 18 Apr 2015 4:01 a.m. PST |
Well spotted Simon! I had not noticed the feather holders and I took the pic! |
| BigRedBat | 18 Apr 2015 4:48 a.m. PST |
Life would be just too good if they were Lark's wings, but they look more like big feathers. |
| Skeptic | 18 Apr 2015 5:30 a.m. PST |
Thanks, Simon! Might the second figure from the right actually have his back turned? In fact, the placement of his left elbow suggests that that is so. |
| smacdowall | 18 Apr 2015 5:58 a.m. PST |
@ Skeptic : Could well be.
I wonder if the large scales represent some sort of leather armour given that in two cases they seem to be worn as an undergarment with other armour on top.? |
makes an addition to his Flash Gordon collection.