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A rare fragment of body armour from the Late Bronze Age has been found in the Czech Republic.
The discovery was made in 2023 in Moravia – the exact location remains secret in order to protect the site – as part of a long-term archaeological research project by Brno City Museum in collaboration with the Regional Museum in Mikulov and amateur metal-detecting associations. During the course of this research, a collection of objects was uncovered comprising a spearhead, a sickle, a needle, and several copper fragments. All of these artefacts had been damaged deliberately before being placed in the ground together, suggesting that this may have been part of a ritual sacrifice.
Among the finds was an inconspicuous folded sheet of metal. Over the past two years, however, careful analysis has revealed its true significance. Using 3D scanning, the object has been digitally ‘unfolded’, making it possible to see its original shape and decoration. The ornamentation revealed under a microscope includes a punched solar design around the nipple and triangular decorations inside an embossed wave below. These discoveries make it clear that the metal sheet was once part of a bronze breastplate.
The armour has been dated to 3,200 years ago, around the time traditionally associated with the legendary Trojan War. In this period, the use of bronze armour was restricted to elite warriors, while ordinary armour would have been made of organic materials that do not survive in the archaeological record. Bronze Age armour of any sort is therefore an extremely rare discovery, and this is only the second example ever found in the Czech Republic, making it incredibly valuable for expanding our understanding of the military culture of the Central European Bronze Age. The find is being prepared for presentation to the public in Brno City Museum.
