06-11-2020, 04:31 AM
Philip's cuirass was so thick because it had completely mineralised. Iron increases in volume as it oxidises.
The La Tene Celts were producing steel longswords since before the Roman period. There is at least one extant example that can be flexed almost double and spring back to its original shape even after being under water for two thousand years. The best book on the subject is Pleiner's "The Celtic Sword".
The mechanical properties of tin-bronze are very similar to unhardened medium carbon steel. There would be little functional difference between bronze and steel armour during that time. Bronze would be superior in some cases.
The La Tene Celts were producing steel longswords since before the Roman period. There is at least one extant example that can be flexed almost double and spring back to its original shape even after being under water for two thousand years. The best book on the subject is Pleiner's "The Celtic Sword".
The mechanical properties of tin-bronze are very similar to unhardened medium carbon steel. There would be little functional difference between bronze and steel armour during that time. Bronze would be superior in some cases.
Author: Bronze Age Military Equipment, Pen & Sword Books
