2.2 Armour And Weapons Flashcards
What was the major change to shields at the start of the Mycenaean period ?
Figure of eight shields and tower shields being replaced by smaller ones
- the older style is described in the Iliad aswell as being depicted on the Lion hunt dagger
Where are some examples of older shields ?
Lion hunt dagger and Homer describes Ajax using a tower shield made of eight layers of leather
How did helmets change significantly?
Originally boat tusk helmets like the one Homer describes in the Iliad that Odysseus uses.
Turn into plumed, gleaming helmets often using throat straps. With the plumes to look impressive
What are some key points on boar tusk helmets ?
- Needs at least ten wild boars
- Tusk are extremely strong and provide good protection
- Hunting them was very dangerous as seen in the Odyssey book 19
- Many have been found suggesting they where used in the early Mycenaean times
What’s the most famous piece of pottery for showing the development of equipment in Mycenaean times?
The warrior vase
Why is the warrior vase so useful?
- Group of identical soldiers sheen marching- shows uniformity and control
- Carry small rounds shield and spears for thrusting
- Dressed in chitons, breast plates and greaves for protection
- Knapsacks on spears suggest maybe going on campaign or long walk
- Helmets have horns coming out of them ( most likely boar tusk helmets)
What is the possible issue with the warrior vase?
Noting the similarities in the handles of the vase and appearance of soldiers to later depictions
Some scholars believe it could be from the eighth century and not Mycenaean
How did weapons change over the Mycenaean period ?
Spears became shorter for thrusting but still able to be thrown- evidence comes from Linear B tablets referring to forty two bronze tipped spears
What is the earliest suite of armour ? Give a few key points
The Dendra armour from the fifteenth century
Made up of bronze sheets on back and chest held together using strips of leather
Fifteen separate plates make up the armour
What does the Dendra armour tell us? How does it differ from that shown in the warrior vase ?
This armour would of certainly of been heavy as it consisted of a BT helmet, grieves and armour which differs significantly from that shown in the warrior vase
Where bows used in the Mycenaean times? Explain your answer
Yes but where considered a cowardly weapon in the battlefield as they could inflict death from afar
Main use was for hunting
Give some key points on chariots (think of where they are shown)
Often shown in wall paintings, pottery and even Stella
- earliest representation of a chariot shows a man on a simple two wheeled box chariot with the wheels having four spokes
-later chariots seem more specious and covered in a fabric or animal hide these chariots would of most likely been for travelling on roads
How did swords change ?
Earlier swords feature elaborate wooden pommels covered in gold
However the more detailed a sword the less likely it was used for combat
They became shorter and more useful in close quarters fighting
What and how was a chariot used for ?
What: to chase prey
How: rider would drive to the centre and then dismount
