Barry Molloy

Martial arts and materiality: a combat archaeology perspective on Aegean swords of the fifteenth and fourteenth centuries bc

Abstract The early swords of the Aegean Bronze Age are some of the most striking artefacts from this epoch in terms of craftsmanship and opulence. Their perceived role has at various times ranged from their being ritual objects, to being restricted in terms of modes and environments of use, to their being perfectly serviceable tools of war. In this paper experimental archaeology with accurate replica weapons is used to explore the practicalities of their combat potential comprehensively in relation to their likely contexts of use. Through analysis of the Type C and Di swords, it will be demonstrated that the purposes of subtle differences in design are best elucidated through protracted engagement with the weapons in training and cutting exercises. The varying virtues of different weapon forms are thus highlighted and illustrate the changing martial environment throughout the Late Bronze Age of the Aegean region.

For Gods or men? A reappraisal of the function of European Bronze Age shields

Are the imposing, decorated copper-alloy shields of Bronze Age Europe symbolic objects or functioning weapons? The author undertakes new analysis and experiments to conclude that whether bronze, leather or wood, all shields had a range of purpose in which the ceremonial and homicidal could rarely be completely isolated.

MARTIAL MINOANS? WAR AS SOCIAL PROCESS, PRACTICE AND EVENT IN BRONZE AGE CRETE

Together with politics, economics and religion, war is one of the fundamental factors that can shape a society and group identities. In the prehistoric world, the sources for the study of war are disparate and their interpretation can be inconsistent and problematic. In the case of Crete in the Bronze Age, a systematic analysis of the evidence will be undertaken for the first time in this paper, and this opportunity is used to critically evaluate the most effective ways of employing the widely agreed sets of physical correlates for ancient war in the archaeological record. A further objective in exploring the diachronic roles of war in these societies is to move the discussion from a niche field to a more integrated, and systematic, social analysis. The existence and character of a warrior identity is examined, and it is proposed that it often constituted a conspicuous element of male identity. The varying scales and time spans through which war can influence a society are discussed, and a broad framework for understanding war in social process, practices and events is proposed. Πολεμοχαρείς Μινωίτες; Ο πόλεμος ως κοινωνική διαδικασία, πρακτική και γεγονός στην Κρήτη της Εποχής του Χαλκού Μαζί με την πολιτική, την οικονομία και τη θρησκεία, ο πόλεμος είναι ένας από τους θεμελιώδεις παράγοντες που μπορούν να μορφοποιήσουν την κοινωνία και τις ομαδικές ταυτότητες. Στον προϊστορικό κόσμο, οι πηγές για τη μελέτη του πολέμου είναι ανομοιογενείς και η ερμηνεία τους μπορεί να είναι αντιφατική και προβληματική. Tο παρόν άρθρο επιχειρεί για πρώτη φορά μία συστηματική ανάλυση των δεδομένων για την περίπτωση της Κρήτης στην Εποχή του Χαλκού. Αυτή η περίπτωση δίνει την ευκαιρία να αναπτύξουμε κριτικά πιο αποτελεσματικούς τρόπους στην εφαρμογή των ευρέως αποδεκτών παραμέτρων για την εξέταση του πολέμου στην αρχαιότητα βάσει των αρχαιολογικών δεδομένων. Ένας άλλος στόχος στην προσπάθεια να διερευνήσουμε τους διαχρονικούς ρόλους του πολέμου σε αυτές τις κοινωνίες είναι να προχωρήσουμε σε μία πιο ολοκληρωμένη και συστηματική κοινωνική ανάλυση. Το παρόν άρθρο εξετάζει την ύπαρξη και τον χαρακτήρα μίας πολεμικής ταυτότητας στην Κρήτη της Εποχής του Χαλκού και υποστηρίζει πως αυτή αποτελούσε ένα εμφανές στοιχείο της ανδρικής ταυτότητας. Το άρθρο επίσης συζητά τους διαφορετικούς βαθμούς και χρονικούς ορίζοντες διά μέσου των οποίων ο πόλεμος μπορεί να επηρεάσει μία κοινωνία και προτείνει ένα ευρύ πλαίσιο για την κατανόηση του πολέμου ως κοινωνική διαδικασία, πρακτική και γεγονός.

Wonderful Things? A Consideration of 3D Modelling of Objects in Material Culture Research

Abstract The role of 3D modelling in archaeology is increasing exponentially, from fieldwork to architecture to material culture studies. For the study of archaeological objects the roles of digital and print models for public engagement has been much considered in recent literature. For model makers, focus has typically been placed on exceptional and visually striking objects with inherent appeal. In contrast, this paper explores some of the potential roles for 3D digital models for routine artefact research and publication. Particular emphasis is placed on the challenges this technology raises for archaeological theory and practice. Following a consideration of how 3D models relate to established illustration and photographic traditions, the paper evaluates some of the unique features of 3D models, focussing on both positive and negative aspects of these. This is followed by a discussion of the role of potential research connections between digital and craft models in experimental research. Our overall objective is to emphasise a need to engage with the ways in which this gradual development has begun to change aspects of longestablished workflows. In turn, the increasing use of this technology is argued to have wider ramifications for the development of archaeology, and material culture studies in particular, as a discipline that requires reflection.

Conflict at Europe’s Crossroads: Analysing the Social Life of Metal Weaponry in the Bronze Age Balkans

This paper explores the character of weaponry from the western and central Balkan Peninsula, a region that constitutes a crossroad between Aegean and Urnfield Bronze Age metalworking traditions. The objective is to explore how a biographic or lifecycle approach to weapons including swords, spears, axes and armour may serve to understand the social venues in which ideas about style and function were exchanged and materialised. By briefly evaluating sample datasets for taxonomic-functional analysis, metalwork wear analysis, metallography, contextual research and experimental archaeology, the paper considers some avenues through which these disparate fields of analysis on the same forms of material culture can be considered effectively in complementary ways. The paper then briefly explores the conduct of combat practices and warfare traditions relevant to the Bronze Age Balkans. Ultimately, the intention of this paper is to bring together different approaches that place material culture studies at the heart of Bronze Age warfare research.