Bronze armour fittings
Roman Britain, 1st century AD
From the Roman fort site at Hod Hill, Dorset
These fittings were originally attached to segmented iron body
armour designed to protect the upper torso. Although the strips of
iron plate have corroded away, these bronze hinges, buckles, studs
and tie hooks (for leather cords) show how body armour of this kind
was assembled and worn. The overlapping iron plates themselves
would have been joined on the inside face with leather straps,
combining strength with flexibility.