12-18-2005, 11:20 PM
Salimbeti is a brilliant artist but doesn't know a whole lot about how armour is supposed to function. His reconstructions are very subjective and should not be taken too seriously. Yes he includes elements from the archaeological record but his lack of knowledge about body armour and Homer's work in general leads to some glaring errors. He also mixes up time periods by putting early Mykenaian arms on late Mykenaian (Homeric) characters.
Look at Ajax for example. There is nothing in the Iliad to suggest that he wore a Dendra panpoly. There is nothing in the Iliad to suggest that he carried a tower shield. In addition, that particular shield did not have a bronze facing and it was unlikely to have been carried by a heavily armoured warrior. These shields were only used by lightly armoured infantry to protect against arrows.
Another is the image of Hektor. There should not be a scallop in the shield's side. Homer specifically describes Hektor's shield as circular on multiple occasions. Another point about the shields is that every one of the shields described by Homer have bronze facings. Very few of the shields on Salimbeti's site have bronze facings.
The dots on the helmets are supposed to be an interpretation of the Warrior Vase but that illustration is so simplistic that one could give dozens of interpretations for it. The so-called "studded leather" interpretation is highly unlikely IMO.
My particular favourite is the studded red body suit. There are so many reasons why this would never have been worn that I don't know where to begin.
The best part of this site is the helmets. Very comprehensive and well-drawn.
Look at Ajax for example. There is nothing in the Iliad to suggest that he wore a Dendra panpoly. There is nothing in the Iliad to suggest that he carried a tower shield. In addition, that particular shield did not have a bronze facing and it was unlikely to have been carried by a heavily armoured warrior. These shields were only used by lightly armoured infantry to protect against arrows.
Another is the image of Hektor. There should not be a scallop in the shield's side. Homer specifically describes Hektor's shield as circular on multiple occasions. Another point about the shields is that every one of the shields described by Homer have bronze facings. Very few of the shields on Salimbeti's site have bronze facings.
The dots on the helmets are supposed to be an interpretation of the Warrior Vase but that illustration is so simplistic that one could give dozens of interpretations for it. The so-called "studded leather" interpretation is highly unlikely IMO.
My particular favourite is the studded red body suit. There are so many reasons why this would never have been worn that I don't know where to begin.
The best part of this site is the helmets. Very comprehensive and well-drawn.
Author: Bronze Age Military Equipment, Pen & Sword Books
