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https://arkeonews.net/scenes-of-warriors-from-6th-century-bc-on-a-slate-plaque-discovered-at-tartessian-site-in-spain/

Hopefully of interest...

That is an interesting find, thanks.

Definitely interesting.

One warrior looks to be carrying a sword, about 18" long I guess.  Another seems to be wearing a helmet.

Quote from: lionheartrjc on June 07, 2024, 01:17:02 PMOne warrior looks to be carrying a sword, about 18" long I guess.

Specifically, with that hooked hilt, it looks like a falcata.

Quote from: Duncan Head on June 07, 2024, 01:53:16 PM

Quote from: lionheartrjc on June 07, 2024, 01:17:02 PMOne warrior looks to be carrying a sword, about 18" long I guess.

Specifically, with that hooked hilt, it looks like a falcata.

My thought entirely - if they are right on the date, does this make it the earliest evidence for the weapon?

Also, the probable corpse, whilst generally naked (fought au naturel, or stripped of his clothing as a trophy?) seems to be wearing some sort of headgear, almost reminiscent of British 20th C helmets, unless that is just an accident of the digitisation of the scratches in the slate.

For some reason, they have chosen not to highlight the javelin in the swordsman's right hand.

Quote from: DBS on June 07, 2024, 02:12:27 PMMy thought entirely - if they are right on the date, does this make it the earliest evidence for the weapon?

Quite possibly; Quesada says that the earliest are 5th century.

QuoteAlso, the probable corpse, whilst generally naked (fought au naturel, or stripped of his clothing as a trophy?) seems to be wearing some sort of headgear, almost reminiscent of British 20th C helmets, unless that is just an accident of the digitisation of the scratches in the slate.

It reminds me of some early Celtiberian helmets with a two-piece construction giving a medial ridge, but the resemblance is perhaps not all that close.

Quote from: lionheartrjc on June 07, 2024, 01:17:02 PM...........Another seems to be wearing a helmet.

But very little else.

Any thoughts about the marks on the swordsman's legs?  Might they be tattoos?