SoA Forum

History => Ancient and Medieval History => Topic started by: Adrian Nayler on Aug 16, 2025, 09:43 PM

Title: Celtic warrior figurine from Manching
Post by: Adrian Nayler on Aug 16, 2025, 09:43 PM
Here's a nice Celtic warrior figurine newly discovered at Manching oppidum in Bavaria: https://archaeologymag.com/2025/08/celtic-artifacts-and-bronze-warrior-figurine-manching/
Title: Re: Celtic warrior figurine from Manching
Post by: DBS on Aug 16, 2025, 10:27 PM
If they are correct in the "armoured torso, naked waist down" conclusion, then interesting.  I wonder whether the stratification of the find allows any sort of estimated date?  Yes, Greek heroic artistic tropes might be one reason for a mix of armour and nudity, but given the literary tropes about early Celts, there might be other explanations.
Title: Re: Celtic warrior figurine from Manching
Post by: Duncan Head on Aug 16, 2025, 11:02 PM
I can't say that I can clearly make out armour on the torso - though the naked below the waist bit is clear.
Title: Re: Celtic warrior figurine from Manching
Post by: Erpingham on Aug 17, 2025, 08:01 AM
If armour it is, it looks like a bronze cuirass (which may, of course, be what triggers the idea of Greek parallels e.g. Vix krater figures). Be an interesting figure for an early Celtic warband.
Title: Re: Celtic warrior figurine from Manching
Post by: Keraunos on Aug 17, 2025, 08:04 AM
Interesting reversal of Caesar's comment on some of them being naked from the waste upwards.  The shield is too big for the Gaesertae?
Title: Re: Celtic warrior figurine from Manching
Post by: Adrian Nayler on Aug 17, 2025, 01:29 PM
The report by Archaeology News pretty faithfully reports the contents of the official press release, at least as far as I can determine using Google translate. In the release the warrior statuette is highlighted as a 'stand-out' find. The only piece of information missing from the website report is the statuette's date which is suggested to be 3rd century BCE, based upon associated ceramics from the ditch in which it was found.