Revising Our Understanding of Late Bronze Age Greek Armor
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The Mycenaean Civilization and Its Military Might
My initial encounter with history in high school revolved around the ancient world, particularly Classical Greece, where the rise and fall of Athens and Sparta, alongside their conflicts with Persia, dominated the curriculum. To my youthful perspective, the fifth to fourth centuries BC appeared to represent the dawn of civilization. However, this period is merely a later chapter in the extensive history of Greece, overshadowed by the even older Mycenaean civilization.
The Mycenaeans, who thrived long before the iconic city-states emerged, engaged with notable cultures such as the Hittites, Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. They likely donned suits of hammered bronze armor and distinctive helmets crafted from boar tusks. Recent experimental archaeology has shed light on this era, particularly through the study of the Dendra armor—a remarkably ancient bronze armor set discovered in 1960 near Dendra, Greece, once thought to be purely ceremonial.
Researchers, led by Andreas D. Flouris from the University of Thessaly, examined a replica of this armor in combat simulations, revealing its suitability for prolonged warfare. However, to fully appreciate the implications of this armor, we first need to delve into the Mycenaean civilization itself.
The Rise of Mycenae
The collapse of the Minoan civilization on Crete created an opportunity for the Mycenaeans to flourish. Mycenae, strategically located at the Peloponnese's tip, would later influence naval powers like Corinth. Notably, Homer referred to Mycenae as the stronghold of Agamemnon, the famed king associated with the Trojan War.
From around 1400 to 1100 BC, the Mycenaeans reached their zenith, dominating maritime routes and establishing colonies across the Aegean and beyond. Their influence extended to Egypt and the Levant, with their warriors launching raids against Hittite and Egyptian territories. Flouris and his team also cite Hittite records indicating a conflict with the Mycenaeans over a city identified as Wilusa, believed to correspond to Troy.
Moreover, evidence from 14th-century Egyptian papyrus contains references to the notable boar tusk helmets, suggesting the Mycenaean's formidable presence in the region. Unlike the later city-state-centric Greece, the Mycenaean era revolved around fortified palaces that served as regional power centers, often in conflict or alliance with each other.
Section 1.1: The Dendra Armor Experiment
To explore the capabilities of Dendra armor, Flouris and his team turned to Homer's Iliad, which, despite not being a precise historical account, offers valuable insights into ancient warfare. They sought to extract essential details about the physical conditions of battle, soldiers’ activities, and other relevant factors to construct a realistic combat scenario.
In March 2019, thirteen modern Greek marines participated in an eleven-hour simulation, wearing replicas of the Dendra armor and engaging in activities reflective of Mycenaean warfare. Stavros B. Petmezas, a military officer and martial arts instructor, trained the marines in handling ancient weapons, simulating the rigors of a day in battle.
Throughout the experiment, various physiological metrics were monitored, including blood glucose levels and heart rates, to assess the physical toll of wearing such armor under stress.
Section 1.2: Armament and Combat Strategies
Equipped with a Mycenaean-style sword and a spear, the warriors engaged in various combat scenarios, reflecting the tactics described in the Iliad. The experiments included actions like sword thrusts and spear throws, mirroring the epic's narrative.
Despite fatigue, all participating marines successfully completed the day’s activities, suggesting that the Dendra armor was not merely ceremonial but functional for warfare.
Chapter 2: A Shift in Historical Perspectives
The findings of Flouris and his team suggest a reevaluation of our understanding of late Bronze Age Greece. Previously, the notion of Mycenaeans effectively fighting in armor was doubted. However, the discovery of multiple Dendra-style armors across Greece, alongside illustrations from palace artifacts, indicates that such armor was both practical and widespread.
The researchers argue that this armor's existence and functionality may explain the references to Mycenaean strength in Hittite records and Egyptian art. Before the well-known Athenians and Spartans, the Mycenaeans commanded the Aegean and engaged with powerful Mediterranean civilizations, showcasing advanced metallurgy and military skills.
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