The Subarmalis: A Roman Gambeson?

An investigation of the Roman Subarmalis The subarmalis, or thoracomachus, was a padded undergarment worn beneath Roman armor in order to help absorb blows and protect the soldier. By itself, it was also capable of providing ample protection, as demonstrated by the surviving sources. However, any investigation into the exact nature of the subarmalis--that is, what it looked like, is difficult, as the surviving evidence is lacking in that regard. SOURCES: Roman Military Equipment From the Punic Wars to the Fall of Rome, Bishop Romano-Byzantine Infantry Equipment, Stephenson Roman Military Dress, Sumner