Ancient Greek Armors
Ancient Greek Copper Footwear Guards
End of 6th century B.C
Use of metal footwear guards was probably not very common in ancient Greece as they seem to
have gone out of fashion after 480 BC and, consequently, few intact archaeological examples have
been discovered.
The guards are made of hammered copper sheet and each is consists of two main pieces, the major
which covers the instep and the minor which covers the toes. The two components are anatomically
designed and are connected between them with a long horizontal hinge (secured with rivets)
enabling freedom of movement during the march.
The inner sides are lined with soft organic materials (wool and leather). They are secured on the
foot with thick leather straps running from the back and underneath. The rims of the main
component have been folded with hand stiched leather.
