Middle La Tène Waffenbrüder in the Rhineland-Palatinate?

Evidence from two Swords from a Chariot Burial in the Cemetery of Thür (Lkr. Mayen-Koblenz)

Abstract

One of the richest graves in the Middle La Tène cremation cemetery of Thür (Lkr. Mayen-Koblenz) contains a chariot burial. Though there is no sign of a second interment there are two swords both with decorated scabbards and stamps on the sword blades. Following a detailed consideration of the swords’ typology, their absolute date and the style of their ornament with particular consideration of the stamps and their possible significance, some remarks are added to other La Tène finds of a pair of swords in a single grave. Are we presented with evidence for a caste of Waffenbrüder as recorded as early as Homeric times? The article concludes with a brief discussion of the swords’ possible place of manufacture.