How to make a fully functional Greek Armor with old clothes (Linothorax)

Ancient sources talk about a common and relatively cheap armor called Linothorax. As its name says, it should have been made of layers of linen fabric, cheaper and lighter than the metal breast armors. Even if none of them have been found there are some theories about how they could have been made:
- Layers of glued fabric. This is the theory that is being reconstructed here. The layers would be joined with Rabbit Glue.
- Layers of hardened leather. It could be hardened boiling it.
- Quilted patches of hardened linen fabric. It could be hardened with vinegar or Rabbit Glue).
- A few layers of fabric made with braided linen.

The material used here are quite simple: loads of old clothes made with natural fibers (linen or cotton), White Glue (PVA), some little pieces of leather and 8 metallic rings. Obviously this is not a scientific recosntruction (we should change all the cotton fabric by hand made linen fabrics and substitute PVA by Rabbit Glue), but the weight and resistance is quite similar.

This kind of armor was very popular in the Greek World between the 4th and the 1st centuries BC. The armies of the Greco-Persian wrs and the soldiers of Alexander the Great wore this kind of armor.
Prior to its popularization most of the armies were composed by rich tenants that could afford the expensive metal armors. After the popularization of citizen armies in Greece, Linothorax became a cheap option to protect thousands of men. It had key advantages compared to a metal breast armor: it was cheaper and it was fresher under the torrid conditions of the Mediterranean summer.

Finally, during the 1st century BC, chaimail began its popularization. Iron production was higher so the price lowered, and it had several advantages: was more resistant, easy to repair and unlike a Linothorax, could last decades under a good manteinance.

Видео How to make a fully functional Greek Armor with old clothes (Linothorax) канала Mr C.