Weaponry Illyrian warfare

the fact illyrian warriors buried weapons has resulted in abundant amount of surviving intact. works of ancient authors fail provide clear picture on illyrian weapons , true contributor matter roman poet ennius (239 bc – 169 bc) of messapian origin. weaponry important illyrian in time of war rich , nobles afford types such greaves , helmets. lot of armor imported greek mainland proved findings of greek weapons in glacinac graves dating 7th century bc.

shields used among illyrian bronze age. in iron age 2 types of shields used, illyrian circular shield , oval/rectangular type used northern illyrians. common circular shield made of wood , leather bronze boss , light pelte. illyrian circular shield resembled macedonian version differed number of circular decortication. shapes either round (peltes), rectangular or oval. type of wooden oblong shield iron boss introduced illyria celts. type of shield resembled illyrian oval shield used in northern illyria.

breast-armor , greaves specialty rich in illyrian society. bronze breast-armor used northern illyrians , 3 examples have been discovered far in slovenia. form of body armor bronze pectoral may have protected part of well. more disc breastplate of 10 cm in diameter. greaves protect legs used 7th century bc , earlier. first appeared in illyria southern borders , found in princely graves.

illyrian chariots vace – 6th century bc

in northern illyria bronze helmet employed. bronze helmet developed common conical helmet contained plume. intriguing of illyrian helmets developed, shmarjet helmet, made japodes in lika valley. made wicker , chain-mail while metal plates around sides optional. under influence illyria s northern neighbours, italic peoples, negau helmet used 5th century bc 4th century bc. widespread helmet illyrian helmet use beginning 7th century bc. illyrian helmet made bronze , consisted of great, crested plume on top. origin , time period helmet used has been subject of debate. experts allocate origins in corinth , claim went out of use in illyria in 4th century bc. others claim helmet has origins in illyria , used 2nd century bc, proven depictions on illyrian city coins of time.

the principal sword of illyrians sica, single-edged curved sword similar greek machaira. sica developed during bronze age. sica s blade 16–18 inches (41–46 centimetres) long. became used , adopted other peoples such thracians, dacians , romans. illyrians used fighting sword short curved swords, long swords in addition various knives. according historian john wilkes:

although short curved sword used several peoples around mediterranean romans regarded sica distinct illyrian weapon used stealthy assassin (sicarius)

the illyrians used variety of other weapons, javelins, long metallic spears called sibyna (ancient greek Σιβύνη) resembled boar spears, short thrusting spears, battle axes, single-handed axes hurled , bows , arrows used start of 2nd millennium bc.