Bronze Age Greek Armour Found to Be More Than Ceremonial

Photo byPhoto by Cas Holmes on Unsplash

Recent research has re-evaluated the purpose of a 3,500-year-old Mycenaean suit of bronze armour found in a Greek tomb, suggesting it was not merely ceremonial but used in battle. Discovered in Dendra and known as one of the finest examples of Mycenaean armour, the suit has long been debated since its discovery in the 1960s.

To investigate its practical use, researchers replicated the armour using metal replicas made in the 1980s by Bournville College of Art. Greek special forces tested this replica during an 11-hour simulated combat scenario based on descriptions from Homer's Iliad. Led by researchers from the University of Thessaly, the study assessed various physiological responses such as heart rate, oxygen consumption, and fluid loss.

The study found that despite its seemingly cumbersome appearance, the armour allowed total flexibility and did not cause excessive stress on the wearer. This supports the hypothesis that the armour was functional for combat rather than just ceremonial purposes. The research enhances understanding of Mycenaean military technology and its role in ancient warfare, shedding light on the social transformations of the period.

Moreover, the findings offer new insights into the Mycenaean impact on the Eastern Mediterranean and the collapse of Bronze Age civilizations. They challenge earlier beliefs about the armour's use and are consistent with historical records, such as Hittite records and Egyptian illustrations, emphasizing the armour's significance in military history.