Defensive weapons in Homer

Abstract

Highly interesting structures, i.e. defensive weapons, described in the Homeric Epics and possessing elements of almost modern technology, are investigated. We are mainly referring to the shields of Achilles and Ajax, consisting of successive layers of different metals the former and of metal and leather layers the latter, e.g. they belong to the so-called laminated structures, as termed in modern technological terminology. The latter are part of a great class of materials, named composite materials. These structures were analyzed on the basis of realistic assumptions, as far their constituent materials are concerned and, by using modern computer codes and on occasions experimentally, their properties were investigated. The results not only confirm with amazing accuracy the Homeric descriptions as regards their battle behaviour, but they also provide indication of very advanced knowledge of science and technology of materials and structures possessed by the Mycenaean Greeks. Comparison of the said structures with the ones of much later times, confirm their technological supremacy. Other defensive weapons, such as helmets and breastplates of the Mycenaeans exhibit equally advanced technical attributes.