Illyria refers to an ancient region situated along the Eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. The ancient historian, Appian, wrote that the Illyrians inhabited the lands beyond Macedon and Thrace, roughly equivalent to modern Serbia and Albania. The Illyrians were a tribal society governed by chieftans. Traditionally, they raised livestock, mined the hills, and traded their commodities with other linguistically linked neighboring tribes.Historical records indicate that the Illyrian army was composed primarily of infantryman. Through archaeology, we have extensive knowledge of their arms and armor. Excavations have produced swords, bows and arrows, javelins, and battle-axes that would have been wielded by the soldiers. On defense, the Illyrian military was equiped with wooden and leather shilds that were embossed with metal. More refined armor, including pieces such as breastplates, leg protectors, and helmets such as this one, were most likely reserved for the commanding officers and the military elite.

Antiquities
Ancient Near East