Heavy infantry of the twelfth century

In the earlier period especially, lamellar was solely for cavalry. A scattering of later pictures indicate that in the twelfth century some infantry had the benefit of this exceptionally effctive armour. This example is primarily based upon a twelfth century fresco of Saint Nestor in the Church of Saint Nikolas at Kastoria. (See below) The construction of this lamellar is unique to Byzantium, and the inverted lamellar sleeves and skirt are also distinctive to this century.
Anyone wishing a more complete discussion should see my article ‘Kremasmata, Kabadion, Klibanion’ in Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, number 22 (1998). The text is on the Levantia site.

Saint Nestor, Church of Saint Nicholas, Kastoria, Macedonia.