Ancient Greek Armors
Ankle guard
6th century BC
Ankle guard is a rare defensive device of the Archaic period which protect the area of the “Achilles” tendon.Each of the anatomical guard is being consisted by one hammered sheet of bronze able to “wrap” around the ankle bones.
Internally accommodate soft backing of wool and textile. A high sophisticated device with a high degree of plasticity which can be met mainly in South Italy (Magna Graecia).Perhaps, the aspiration for the making of this particular defense echos the popular myth of Achilles death by Paris arrow as Homer described it in Iliad epic cycle. It’s effectiveness during the conflicts remains a open question!
