This monograph provides for the first time a combined overview of all
classes of metal body armour from the European Bronze Age in a holistic
perspective, combining discussion of both traditional typo-chronologies
and aspects of manufacture and use. The earliest metal body armour
recovered comes from Dendra, Greece, and dates to the first half of the
15th century BC. However, the majority of metal body armour, including
helmets, cuirasses and greaves, derives from the European Late Bronze
Age, c. 1200-950 BC. This armour has been found from Iberia in the west
to Cyprus in the east, and from Sicily in the south to Denmark in the
north, as well as in the Near East. It thus derives from a wide
geographical study area. Nevertheless, only around 30 cuirasses, 75
greaves and 120 helmets have so far been recovered. The development,
manufacture and use of this metal body armour across Europe remains
unclear, even after more than a century of research. Earlier studies
were largely concerned with typo-chronological aspects of this armour,
whilst topics such as manufacturing techniques, efficacy and
technological observations were rarely addressed. This volume therefore
brings together both traditional artefact and metallurgical studies, as
well as reconstructions of manufacturing techniques, technological
developments and innovations and use-wear analysis. The monograph also
provides much-needed detail concerning material characterisation, in the
form of alloy composition and microstructure analysis of a significant
sample of the original finds. Combining the results of this with the
study of the manufacturing techniques and use-wear traces, a better
understanding of how this armour was both produced and used is achieved.
The author documented, studied and analysed all accessible helmets,
greaves and cuirasses in eastern Europe as well as a number of examples
from western Europe, significantly increasing the quantity of body
armour studied and analysed in detail. The publication contains the
whole spectrum of known body armour currently recovered, as well as
including new finds from auctions or private collections, which have
previously been overlooked. The present volume offers a holistic
artefact study of European Bronze Age body armour, its manufacture and
usage. It serves as a basis for further experimental studies into the
production and utility of bronze helmets, cuirasses and greaves, which
will deliver further important insights into the role that this armour
played in Bronze Age life, especially in its practical, utilitarian
function.
