Previous work

When it comes to researching prehistoric weaponry and combat techniques, we stand on the shoulders of giants. After a long spell characterised by little interest in the subject, the study of ancient warfare is now back on the agenda. It would be impossible to mention all the studies undertaken in the last few years, so we will solely acknowledge those who directly inspired our project, with our heartfelt apologies to the colleagues left out of this very short - and very personal - list.

Undoubtedly, John Coles is the noble father of the discipline. His pioneering experiments with bronze swords and shields opened up a completely new research avenue, now pursued by many.  

Our understanding of Bronze Age combat has reached unprecedented heights thanks to Ronan O'Flaherty, Barry Molloy and our very own Kate Anderson. To near-universal surprise, Ronan showed that Early Bronze Age halberds - long thought to be purely ceremonial - were perfectly functional weapons. Working with swords and shields, Barry turned the study of ancient martial arts from a fringe discipline into a central field of Bronze Age studies. And Kate taught us that Bronze Age weaponry included a short-shafted spear akin to the Zulu assegai, a versatile weapon used for slashing, thrusting and throwing.

As for the use-wear analysis of Bronze Age tools and weapons, the pioneering tests by Barbara Ottaway and Tobias Kienlin have been followed by thoughtful and (quite literally) cutting-edge work by Sue Bridgford, Marianne Moedlinger, Barry Molloy, Marion Uckelmann, and many others. It is to advance their work that we are carrying out this project!