Lorica squamata

[2][3] No examples of an entire lorica squamata have been found, but there have been several archaeological finds of fragments of such shirts and individual scales are quite common finds—even in non-military contexts.

It is typically seen on depictions of signiferes (standard bearers), aeneatores, centurions, cavalry troops, and auxiliary infantry, as well as regular legionaries.

Rarely, the backing might be mail (lorica hamata) providing two layers of defense at the cost of greater weight and expense.

Much has been written about scale armour's supposed vulnerability to an upward thrust, but this may be exaggerated.

Since the scales overlapped in every direction, the multiple layers gave good protection.

Relief on the Arch of Constantine depicting soldiers wearing the lorica squamata
Detail of a fragment. Each plate has six holes and the scales are linked in rows. Only the "lower most" holes are visible on most scales, while a few show the pair above and the ring fastener passing through them.