Rome only had a limited selection of armor, and not all troops wore torso armor. Light infantry, especially among the auxiliaries, wore little or no armor. This was both to allow swifter movement for light troops and also as a matter of cost.

Light Armor	Cost	Armor Class	Strength	Stealth	Weight
Manica	5 dn	11 + Dex modifier	—	—	8 lb
Hide armor	15 dn	12 + Dex modifier	—	—	10 lb
Thracian armor	40 dn	13 + Dex modifier	—	Disadvantage	13 lb
Medium Armor
Leather breastplate	10 dn	13 + Dex modifier (max 2)	—	—	12 lb
Lorica squamata	50 dn	14 + Dex modifier (max 2)	—	Disadvantage	45 lb
Samnite armor	100 dn	15 + Dex modifier (max 2)	Str 13	Disadvantage	20 lb
Bronze breastplate	750 dn	15 + Dex modifier (max 2)	—	—	40 lb
Heavy Armor
Lorica hamata	200 dn	16	Str 13	Disadvantage	40 lb
Lorica segmentata	400 dn	17	Str 15	Disadvantage	60 lb
Shields
Parma	10 dn	+1	—	—	6 lb
Scutum	25 dn	+2	Str 13	Disadvantage	20 lb

Bronze Breastplate. A partial suit of bronze plate first introduced by the Greeks, it was worn by Roman soldiers until about 450 AUC. From then on, only military tribunes and higher ranks used it. The breastplate is often highly ornamented with mythological scenes, and some cast to fit a specific wearer's torso and designed to mimic an idealized physique.

Leather Breastplate This is a molded breastplate of hardened leather used by both legionaries and gladiators.

Lorica Hamata. This suit of partial chain mail is the standard for members of a legionary army and consists of a chain shirt and a studded leather skirt. Although labor-intensive to manufacture, with good maintenance a suit can be continually used for several decades. Its utility is such that the later appearance of lorica segmentata—which afforded greater protection for a third less weight—never led to the disappearance of the ubiquitous mail.

Lorica Squamata. This type of scale armor is made from small metal scales sewn to a fabric backing. It is typically worn by standard bearers, musicians, centurions, cavalry troops, and even auxiliary infantry, but could be worn by regular legionaries as well.

Lorica Segmentata This light and flexible suit of partial banded armor was introduced at the end of the Republic and remained in use for centuries. It consists of a breastplate of banded mail and a studded leather skirt. The form of the armor allows it to be stored very compactly, since it is possible to separate it into four sections.

Manica This is a type of protective sleeve with curved and overlapping metal segments or plates, fastened to leather straps, worn by Roman gladiators.

Samnite Armor. This is mainly used by gladiators. It is comprised of double manica, greaves, protective metal belt (balteus), and a large ornate helmet (cassis crista).

Thracian Armor. This is leather armor typically used by gladiators and Roman auxiliary troops. It includes a protective metal belt (balteus), a soldier's helmet (galea), manica, and leather greaves.

Parma Shields. These are round shields reinforced with iron in their frame. The parma was used mainly by auxiliary infantry and cavalry, the legionaries preferring the heavier but more protective scutum. It was used also by signifers (standard bearers).

Scutum Shields. The scutum is a large body shield made from three sheets of wood glued together and covered with canvas and leather. During the early Republic they were oval in pattern, but later evolved into a curved rectangular shape. A scutum was typically decorated with the legion’s insignia.

 

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