Spartan Armor
Other
On Display
Symbol of Spartan military might and discipline
Era:
Classical Period
Current Location:
Various pieces are housed in multiple museums including the Archaeological Museum of Sparta, the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, and the British Museum
Materials:
Bronze (primary material for protective elements)
Wood (shield core)
Leather (straps and fittings)
Iron (reinforcements)
Horse hair (helmet crest)
Textile padding
Research Confidence:
(80%)
About Spartan Armor
Spartan armor, known as 'panoply,' was a sophisticated defensive equipment system used by ancient Spartan warriors during the Classical period (5th-4th centuries BCE). The standard Spartan armor consisted of a bronze breastplate (thorax), a helmet (kranos), greaves (knemides) for leg protection, and a large bronze-covered wooden shield (aspis or hoplon). The iconic Spartan helmet, often adorned with a horsehair crest, featured a distinctive design with eye slits and cheek guards that offered excellent protection while maintaining visibility. The breastplate was anatomically shaped to fit the warrior's torso while allowing mobility.
Historical Significance
Symbol of Spartan military might and discipline
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Physical Details
Dimensions:
Materials:
Bronze (primary material for protective elements), Wood (shield core), Leather (straps and fittings), Iron (reinforcements), Horse hair (helmet crest), Textile padding
Quick Facts
Type:
Other
Era:
Classical Period
Where to See It
🏛️
Various pieces are housed in multiple museums including the Archaeological Museum of Sparta, the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, and the British Museum
Currently on Display