ROMAN SOCII IN THE MIDDLE REPUBLIC ETRUSCAN STYLE

As Etruria fell under control of Rome by the first half of the 3rd century BC, its men were levied into the Roman legions as Socii, yet as allies they were permitted to fight in their own local styles using traditional armaments. How would the Etruscans in the service of Rome have been armed at this time?

Velite Aquila

Depictions of the late-fourth and early-third centuries show men, likely from the upper class, armed exclusively as hoplites of a highly generic sort compared to Greek types. Greek helmets were in use along with local styles. Yet where their panoply is truly different is the cuirass, specifically Etruscan tube and yolk armors. During this time period they stand out with their unique lamellar pattern. Though usually assumed to be small bronze plates, some polychrome depictions seem to depict white textiles with colourful patterns. A later terracotta sculpture shows one of the men in a tube and yolk cuirass made up of cordage. In a low detail figurine this could be interpreted as metal plates. It is entirely possible that this pattern was made up of overlapping textile, leather and metal…

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Ancient Warfare (Digital) - 1 Issue, AW XVII.6

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