History

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A VITAL CLUE to how BRONZE AGE SWORDS were used? (large disc pommels encouraging certain cutting techniques) (www.youtube.com)

submitted 1 month ago by Tervell@hexbear.net to c/history@hexbear.net

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[–] Frank@hexbear.net 10 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I love experimental archeology so much. Like the recent theory that viking shields were un-rimmed so an enemy's sword would bite in to it, then you could use the shield as a lever to twist the sword out of their hands or out of position? Gorgeous!

I got to handle a "real", as in poured in bronze in the proper manner, Xiphos that an archeology grad student made and omg it gave me so much respect for the xiphos as a weapon. It was so handy, it pointed exactly where i wanted with no effort. People say " such and such was an extension of their arm" but that's how this little sword felt the moment i held it.

Love that you find all this stuff for us @Tervell@hexbear.net

[–] thethirdgracchi@hexbear.net 9 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Experimental archeology really is fantastic. I loved the "experiment" where they tried to solve a centuries long dispute over whether this Mycenaean bronze age armor they found was for ceremonial use or actual combat by making an exact replica and then subjecting it to 11 hours of combat use, and found that yes it's great armor that is definitely not just ceremonial. https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/ancient-mycenaean-armor-is-so-good-it-protected-users-in-an-11-hour-battle-simulation-inspired-by-the-trojan-war

[–] thethirdgracchi@hexbear.net 9 points 1 month ago

My favorite little quote

In addition to replicating the armor, the volunteers followed diets similar to what a Mycenaean soldier would have eaten in preparation for battle, including a meal of bread, beef, goat cheese, green olives, onions and red wine. "Interestingly, our results for blood glucose showed that the nutrition plan provided adequate energy for the volunteers during the 11-hour protocol," Flouris said.

It's like they're shocked that Homer just didn't make this shit up.