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Lorica is a common name for the armor that protected the torso. In a broader sense — any means of protection. For example, a lorica could be called a wall, fortifications, or hedge. Body armour were actively used in the Roman army, and not only ordinary legionaries, but also officers — centurions, legates, etc. Depending on the period of Roman history and the rank of an officer, the type of armor could vary greatly. The following forms of body armour are known: - Lorica hamata -chain armor, sometimes with additional protection in the form of shoulder pads. - Lorica segmentata -armor made of large (laminar) plates of elongated shape running across the body. - Lorica musculata -anatomical metal armor, like a cuirass. - Lorica squamata — armor made of plates in the form of fish scales, sewn on top of a fabric base. - Lorica plumata -scaled armor with plates in the form of bird feathers, sewn on top of chain mail. - Lorica lintea -linen armor.
Body armour protected the torso but functioned as part of a complete kit with period-appropriate weapons and a helmet and shield; for many early imperial soldiers these included a pilum and a short gladius.
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