Disc cuirasses of the Iberian Peninsula (6th-4th century B.C.)

Abstract

Most of the proto-historic cuirasses of the Iberian Peninsula consist of a pair of bronze discs. The cataloging and study of these pieces, considering the different cultures of the Iberian Peninsula between the 6th and the 4th century BC, allowed us to reconsider some research topics proposed about these objects:

First, their origin and chronology of appearance in the Western Mediterranean, that we now can place in the south-eastern France area between the 7th and the 6th century BC. Secondly, their versatility to evolve according to the Mediterranean fashions and techniques of each period, which corresponds with other examples of metal panoply such as greaves, helmets and other armour. Thirdly, the distribution of these pieces during the period of use defines a sequence of areas: starting from the south of France they reach the northern area of the province of Castelló, and, after that, concentrate and develop in the Celto-Iberian
region from where they spread to other territories. Finally, the adaptation of external influences on these objects during more than two centuries, without adding and modifying ergonomic forms, shows an extreme
conservatism. This situation in which the disc cuirass remains unchanged during such a long period corresponds to the iconography. In this case, the cuirass represents a status symbol and also an ethnic indicator.
The study has also characterised the production of some types of discs that suggest specialised production workshops near the areas of mineral extraction. That could be related to a knowledge and a control of the
alloy and, thus, the manufacturing.
Combining these results allows us to propose an evolution of the disc cuirasses and their organic basis, as well as a discussion about Iberian mercenaries in the Central Mediterranean between the 6th and 4th
century BC.