GREEK GREAVES

AH 6121- Deepeeka Archaic Greek Greaves (Brass)
Used by Greeks, Ca. 6th- 3rd century BC
Used by Romans 4th century BC - 2nd century AD.

Price: $235
Authenticity Rating: 8

Greaves were a very important component of the ancient Greek hoplite’s panoply. Usually worn on both legs, greaves protected an area from the ankle to the knee and provided defense where the shield could not cover. These were also used by the early Romans and other Italic peoples to fill out their armor. In the Roman Republican period, legionaries were known to wear one greave on their left, leading leg. Centurions continued to use two greaves throughout the Imperial period as a symbol of their office.

The originals were made of beaten bronze while our Deepeeka versions are made from brass. These replica greaves also have straps on the back to hold them in place; original Greek greaves were made of thin, "springy" metal and were held in place by spring tension alone. While this prevents us from giving an accuracy rating higher than 8 to these replica greaves, the overall appearance conforms to many ancient examples of this leg defense. These are an indispensable piece for any recreation of the ancient Greek warrior or early Roman legionary.