Alexon Cuirass

The Alexon cuirass a type of body armor has a historical connection to both ancient Greek and Roman warfare as well as a modern clothing retailer. The term refers to various forms of body armor including leather , bronze and later metal cuirasses. Specifically Alexon was also a Greek mercenary serving in the Carthaginian army known for his loyalty and bravery.  Ancient Greek soldiers including those of Alexander the Great often wore linen cuirasses which were made of multiple layers of linen fabric and offered surprising protection against arrows.

Bronze Alexon cuirass like the ones found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art were also common in ancient Greek and Roman times, particularly among officers. These elaborate bronze or leather cuirasses shaped to resemble the human anatomy were often worn by officers and were depicted on Athenian pottery. Alexon was a Greek mercenary who served in the Carthaginian army during the First Punic War. He is known for saving the town of Agrigentum from a mutiny by other mercenaries and informing the Carthaginian commander of a plot by the Gallic mercenaries ultimately persuading them to remain loyal.