Lorica hamata

[3][4] With the idea for this form of mail possibly coming to Rome during conflicts with the Celts in the 3rd century BC,[5][2] lorica hamata was used by both legionary and auxilia troops.

There were several versions of this type of armor, specialized for different military duties such as skirmishers, cavalry, and spearmen.

[6] Over its lifetime, the lorica hamata remained in constant use by legionaries and it was the preferred armor of centurions,[7] who favored its greater coverage and lower maintenance.

[1] During the reign of Augustus the previously mentioned shoulder pieces would extend to the upper arm.

[1] A standard lorica hamata weighed around 11 kg (24 lb), though this would vary depending on the design and the materials used.

[2] The comfort of the armor did come at the cost of some protection, and the weight placed a concentrated strain on the wearer's shoulders.

[13] The estimated production time was two months, even with continual slave labor at the state-run armories.