10-13-2005, 05:42 AM
One of the most interesting things is that Homer mentions the archaic boars tusk helmet of Mycenean era, and the Achilles legend could refer to him wearing a Dendra Panalopy type bronze armor in which one of the only "exposed" area is behind the greaves, and heel. It is widely believed, and Homer may actually say, that it is built on a thick felt cap base. Indeed, the heavy felt pylos cap may have been wide used as a cheap head protection in that time. But is does seem felt was widely known and used by warriors of that time, and body armor as well, could have easily been made from it.
I do not believe Homer described anyone wearing layered linen cuirasses of the familiar, classical Greek style however. This could be a later translation, or pehaps he used that same name for the more archaic versions of linen armor we know were used in the bronze age . The linen armor worn by the possibly Mycenean "Sea Peoples" depicted on Egyptian stele seem to look just like the Egyptian, though some seem to be wearing a Dendra-like bronze cuirass without the lower plates that would be awkward for an infantryman.
Dan
I do not believe Homer described anyone wearing layered linen cuirasses of the familiar, classical Greek style however. This could be a later translation, or pehaps he used that same name for the more archaic versions of linen armor we know were used in the bronze age . The linen armor worn by the possibly Mycenean "Sea Peoples" depicted on Egyptian stele seem to look just like the Egyptian, though some seem to be wearing a Dendra-like bronze cuirass without the lower plates that would be awkward for an infantryman.
Dan
