2.] The old scales were oblong, squared at one end and rounded at the other, very much resembling the Egyptian.
They were from two to three inches, or more, in length, and were placed side by side, so that their greater length corresponded with the height of the wearer.

The new scales seem to have been not more than an inch long; they appear to have been pointed at one end, and to have been laid horizontally, each a little overlapping its fellow.

It was probably found that this construction, while possessing quite as much strength as the other, was more favorable to facility of movement.
Remains of armor belonging to the second period have been discovered in the Assyrian ruins.

The scales are frequently embossed over their whole surface with groups of figures and fanciful ornaments.

The small scales of the first period have no such elaborate ornamentation, being simply embossed in the centre with a single straight line, which is of copper inlaid into the iron.
The Assyrian coat of mail, like the Egyptian, had commonly a short sleeve, extending about half way down to the elbow.