Lorica

Lorica or Lorikae, which translated to "cuirass" in Old Coruscanti and Old Alderaanian respectively, referred to various types of battle armor worn by ancient Human armies prior to the introduction of plate armor in around 4500 BBY. It was defined as various sets of iron, bronze, or hardened leather armor that protected the torso and/or the upper shoulders.

Even after the introduction of plate armor, lorica-style armor remained reserve for soldiers and auxiliaries of low rank, and in some armies even remained the standard-issue set for all warriors even into the modern era. One such example was the Kingdom of Onderon, who equipped its soldiers with lorica armor into the Imperial era. Dozens of other socities also used armor that evolved from lorica armor.

Types

 * Lorica hamata was the first style of armor to be introduced on a large scale among Human militaries. Being used since before the Galactic Republic's conception, lorica hamata consisted of a set of iron maille that was worn over a cloth or wool tunic, and sometimes in conjunction with various types of helmets. Hamata was extremely vulnerable to arrows and other projectiles, and was no obstacle when facing off against vibroblades, which were the most commonplace weapons of its time. For this reason, lorica hamata became increasingly unpopular among Human soldiers and remained reserved only for auxiliaries, mercenaries, recruits, and other soldiers of low value for the following millennia.
 * Lorica squamata was composite armor that consisted of overlapping metal "scales". Scale armor was rarely used by Republic forces, though was seen on many outlying Human worlds. It was extremely effective against projectiles.
 * Lorica segmentata was, alongside squamata, one of the earliest forms of plate armor and consisted of "strips" of steel running horizontally. Often in conjunction with a helmet, it was extremely effective against melee weapons.
 * Lorica thoracata was solid torso armor comprising hardened leather. Introduced by Alderaanian soldiers, this leather armor became increasingly popular among backwater worlds and was featured in the armies of Onderon, one of Alderaan's premier colonies.