Iron

• Iron was mined by the Romans in Britannia, Dacia, Illyricum, Macedonia, Noricum, Sardinia and Spain.

Iron Mining in Britannia

• The Wealden rocks near Hastings contain iron ore and at Beauport Park, the Romans operated one of the largest Iron Mines in the Roman Empire, with up to one thousand workers.
• Beauport Park and nearby Crowhurst Park both had ‘Bloomeries’, with Iron Smelting Works and a Bath house.
• Iron Mining also took place in the Forest of Dean, County Durham and Water Newton.

Use of Iron by the Roman Army

• The Roman Army used Iron in their body armour and helmets.
• Lorica Segmentata
  • Lorica Segmentata was a type of Roman Armour consisting of overlapping curved strips of iron, attached to leather strips.
  • It was worn by the Roman Legionaries from 9 BCE until the end of the 3rd century CE.
• Lorica Hamata
  • Lorica Hamata was chainmail worn by the Roman Auxiliaries.
  • After the 3rd century CE, the Legionaries wore Lorica Hamata as well.