Ancient Cuirasses. Studies on the development of armaments and their uses (social, functional and symbolic) and their interaction in the Mediterranean between the 8th and 3rd Century BC

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The development of metallic cuirasses in the Mediterranean area from the Geometric period until Hellenistic times is a complex process, characterised by a phenomenon of numerous interdependencies. Although this group of objects has been overlooked by the research, its study is a perfect starting for further investigations about topics such as war in the antiquity and the relative social and ideological aspects. The project is based on the study of the cuirasses proceeding from the German excavations in Olympia, here to be investigated for the first time, and on the entire catalogue of finds of such type from Thrace and Southern Italy. There will be place as well for new items yet unpublished. Starting from this background it will be possible to conduct specific researches about the social and military structures (Warfare) of the populations of Aegean Sea, Thrace and Southern Italy. It thus will be possible also to infer the cultural identity of the owners of these cuirasses. The debate on this topic can be successful only if based on complementary perspectives. Firstly, a direct investigation of the items is necessary. Secondly, a cultural, chronological and functional classification has to be done. This will be based on the analysis of the archaeological contexts and of the iconography, through the evidence of vases and sculptures. The project would be part of a main focus of the research conducted at the 'Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum of Mainz about ''Archaeological studies on exchange and cultural adaptation in border areas''.