SoA Forums

History => Ancient and Medieval History => Topic started by: Dave Knight on November 26, 2017, 09:15:19 PM

Title: Iberian Warriors
Post by: Dave Knight on November 26, 2017, 09:15:19 PM
https://elpais.com/cultura/2017/11/14/actualidad/1510672886_222840.html

New to me
Title: Re: Iberian Warriors
Post by: Duncan Head on November 26, 2017, 10:03:56 PM
One of the best-know representations of Iberian warriors. The apparent armour and the uniformity has led to the suggestion that they represent auxiliaries in Punic or Roman service.
Title: Re: Iberian Warriors
Post by: Dangun on November 27, 2017, 03:47:23 AM
The artists lack of skill (see brain explosion when confronted with a horse rider with two legs) might impede inference?
Title: Re: Iberian Warriors
Post by: Patrick Waterson on November 27, 2017, 06:47:08 PM
Either that or Spanish cavalry really did ride sidesaddle, at least in some situations.

I would suggest that whatever the apparent or real anatomical deficiencies, the uniformity of equipment does suggest uniform equipment.  Noteworthy is the differentiation of a single figure with a crested helmet, perhaps an officer, and the right-facing infantry bearing javelin in one hand and falcata in the other while their opponents have javelin in one hand and shield in the other.  One may note also the different styles of armour despite identical shields.

I would be very tempted to associate this decoration with the battle of Castulo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Upper_Baetis#Battle_of_Castulo) in 211 BC.  This is of course just one possibility; there are many others.