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BYZANTINE IN FULL ARMOUR, 15th CENTURY

An extract from Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2
by Ian Heath


57.      BYZANTINE IN FULL ARMOUR, 15th CENTURY

This is an hypothetical reconstruction of one of the best-equipped Byzantine troops as they might have appeared in the 15th century. The body-armour, sword and shield are from the Brontocheion fresco in Mistra mentioned under figure 50, while the European-style arm and leg-harness are added on the supposition that by this late date even the ultra-conservative Byzantines are likely to have adopted them from their Italian neighbours in Greece and the Aegean. That plate leg-armour at least was worn is confirmed by Pseudo-Sphrantzes’ reference to Emperor Constantine’s body being identified in 1453 by the golden imperial eagles stamped on his greaves. Certainly such equipment more readily fits 15th century Byzantine references to ‘heavily-armed Romans’ with ‘helmets, breastplates and suits of armour’ than does the relatively light equipment of figures such as 50-53.



Next: 58. ALMUGHAVAR MERCENARY c. 1302, in Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2 by Ian Heath