Researchers have confirmed that ancient Mycenaean armor, dating back 3,500 years, was robust enough to protect soldiers during battle. Volunteers from the Hellenic Armed Forces tested replicas of this armor in an 11-hour simulation inspired by the Trojan War.
### Testing Ancient Armor
In 1960, archaeologists discovered a suit of Bronze Age armor in Dendra, near the ancient city of Mycenae. To determine its effectiveness, researchers from the University of Thessaly, led by Andreas Flouris, equipped 13 soldiers with replicas of the armor, including a boar’s tusk helmet and bronze plates. The study, published in *PLOS One* on May 22, aimed to resolve whether the armor was purely ceremonial or functional in combat.
### Simulation and Findings
The soldiers participated in an 11-hour battle simulation, based on historical accounts from Homer’s *The Iliad*, involving various combat scenarios such as duels and chariot encounters. The armor replicas, made from a copper and zinc alloy closely matching the original bronze, weighed 51 pounds (23 kilograms) and were crafted to the exact dimensions of the ancient suit.
Researchers also recreated Late Bronze Age environmental conditions, with temperatures between 64 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels of 70% to 80%. Volunteers followed a diet similar to that of Mycenaean soldiers, consuming bread, beef, goat cheese, green olives, onions, and red wine.
The results showed that the armor did not hinder the soldiers’ fighting abilities or cause severe strain. This finding suggests that the armor was not only suitable for battle but also provided significant advantages over lighter armors used in the Middle East.
### Historical Significance
The study concluded that Mycenaean warriors, equipped with heavy armor and transported by chariots, were formidable opponents. The combination of their advanced weaponry and robust armor likely made them some of the best-equipped soldiers of their time.
The research confirms that ancient Mycenaean armor, previously thought to be ceremonial, was indeed effective for combat, providing elite warriors with substantial protection and strategic advantages in battle.
