Ancient Greeks

Cumae, just north of Naples.

This leaf shaped sword and scabbard are both made from bronze. They are quite small, with the blade being just over 40cm long. The part of the handle that remains is made from bone, but the rest is now missing. It is unknown who owned this weapon, but the engraved detailing on the blade would have been painstaking work, so perhaps someone of high status.

Greece.

This helmet is made from just one single piece of bronze, which means it is less likely to split than a helmet made of many pieces. There is a small flower with twelve petals in the centre of the forehead, just above the nose guard. The helmet is not topped with a crest, meaning its wearer could not be grabbed by it and pulled backwards as is sometimes seen in Ancient Greek art.

Cumae, just north of Naples.

Based on evidence from tomb paintings, warriors often wore bronze belts like this with their other armour to protect their abdomen. Belts are often shown as symbols of victory in battle, carried home by the victorious warrior.

Cumae, just north of Naples.

This armour is designed to protect the torso. In Greek it is called kardiophulas, which translates to “heart protector”. Around the edge of the armour there are small holes, this would have allowed for a fabric lining to be sewn in. It has been decorated to look like the human body. Originally, there would have been sides to the armour to strap it onto its wearer but they are now missing.

Cumae, just north of Naples.

Greaves are pieces of armour designed to protect the lower leg. These bronze greaves were designed to be tied closely to the leg by two straps, as shown by the bronze loops through which the straps would have attached. There are small holes around their edges to which a fabric lining would have been sewn. The greaves have been decorated to mimic the leg muscles which would have been hidden beneath them. They look very similar to the shin pads worn by modern athletes.

Cumae, just north of Naples.

This bronze helmet is a part of a full set of armour found in Southern Italy. The helmet has engraved wings on either side, and the snake spirals behind them are actually feather holders. The engraving above the forehead is to symbolise locks of hair, there are also animals engraved into the sides. These could be boars or perhaps lions but we cannot be absolutely certain. Originally the helmet would have had cheek guards, but they are now lost.

Cumae, just north of Naples.

Spears were one of the key weapons for every day Ancient Greek soldiers, known as hoplites. These soldiers were often part of the social elite because they had to obtain their own equipment. The blade of this spear head is 38cm long and is attached to a socket. This would have been where the shaft began.

Greece.

This spear head is made from iron, but over time has corroded quite badly. The blade is 21cm long with an extra 10cm of socket attached and there is evidence of wood in the socket. Spears were one of the key weapons for every day Ancient Greek soldiers, known as hoplites. These soldiers were often part of the social elite because they had to obtain their own equipment