The Greek linothorax proves reasonably effective as body armor, though exact construction details remain unclear. Experimental tests indicate it provided solid protection, particularly against arrows and other weapons.
Reconstructive studies test the linothorax by layering linen fabric. Using 20 layers of linen, the armor resists arrows shot from 45-pound draw weight bows at close range (around 7.5 meters). Arrows from stronger 60-pound bows still penetrate, suggesting 25 to 30 layers would improve defense.
The linothorax offers better protection against weapons like swords and spears than against arrows. Tests compare it to 1.8 mm-thick bronze cuirasses, finding similar protective qualities. The bronze used in tests was annealed, which is softer than work-hardened bronze, thus the linothorax performs comparably against such metal armor.
Combining the linen armor with metal cuirass parts would enhance overall protection remarkably. This combination likely balanced flexibility and defense, important for mobility in combat situations.
The armor’s performance parallels that of medieval gambesons and plate armor replicas tested against arrows. This historical similarity highlights linen armor’s layered design effectiveness in absorbing and dispersing impact.
Since exact manufacturing techniques of the ancient linothorax are uncertain, reconstructed armour uses both quilting and glue methods, showing similar outcomes. Its common use in ancient Greek warfare implies a practical level of protection warranted its adoption.
More details and results of arrow resistance tests can be found at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s webpage: Linothorax Arrow Resistance Tests.
- 20-layer linen armor resists arrows from 45 lb bows at short range.
- 25-30 layers needed to stop stronger arrows reliably.
- Protection equals about 1.8mm annealed bronze cuirass.
- Better resistance against melee weapons than arrows.
- Combined linen and metal cuirass offer excellent defense.
- Similar effectiveness to layered medieval armor.
- Construction details remain partly uncertain.
How effective was the Greek Linothorax against arrows?
Tests show that 20 layers of glued or quilted linen resisted arrows from 45lb bows at 7.5m quite well. However, 60lb bow arrows penetrated it. Using 25-30 layers would better stop strong arrow shots.
Did the Linothorax protect well against other weapons besides arrows?
The lino thorax offered better protection against weapons other than arrows. It was more resilient to slashes and thrusts compared to its performance against arrows.
How does the Linothorax compare to bronze armor?
20 layers of linothorax provided protection roughly equal to a 1.8mm bronze cuirass. This test used annealed bronze plates, which are somewhat less tough than hardened bronze.
Would combining a Linothorax with metal armor improve protection?
Yes, combining 20 layers of linothorax with a metal cuirass would give very strong defense and better overall protection on the battlefield.
Are the Linothorax’s protective qualities similar to medieval armor?
The protection level of the linothorax aligns with medieval gambeson and plate armor tested against arrows. Its layered linen design compares closely with those historically tested armors.
