ContentsThe armour Steve is wearing would not have been worn by the regular army officers on campaign in the field. This ornate armour would have been saved for parades, triumphs, and ceremonial occasions. It cost much more than the regular issue armour which would have been more like the segmented armour seen in some of the earlier photos or possibly chain mail. Highly decorated parade armour like this would most probably have been worn by officers of the Praetorian Guard while on garrison duty in the city of Rome. Beautifully crafted armour, often overlaid with silver and gold sometimes cost a legionary more than a year's pay but many of these men gladly incurred the expense so that they could look their best before the public and their comrades when the occasion dictated.
