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Clockwise or anti-clockwise? A method for distinguishing Roman from medieval mail armour

  • Martijn A. Wijnhoven

Research output: Chapter in Book / Report / Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Seemingly insignificant details in material culture can be highly informative, especially when studied from a long-term perspective. The direction in the overlap of riveted mail rings is one such detail. This feature can determine whether mail armour is Roman or Medieval. Roman mail has riveted rings with a clockwise overlap, while Medieval mail is invariably anti-clockwise. In addition, the direction of the overlap, together with the type of rings used in a mail coat, confirms the existence of an autonomous mail production in the Barbaricum, beyond the Roman Empire.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Production of Military Equipment – Fabricae, Private Production and More
Subtitle of host publicationPanel 9.1
EditorsStefanie Hoss
Place of PublicationHeidelberg
PublisherPropylaeum
Pages25-46
Number of pages22
ISBN (Electronic)9783969290095
ISBN (Print)9783969290101
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Publication series

NameArchaeology and Economy in the Ancient World
PublisherPropylaeum
Volume48

Bibliographical note

Archaeology and Economy in the Ancient World – Proceedings of the 19th International Congress of Classical Archaeology, Cologne/Bonn 2018, Band 48

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