The Bronze Age

This breastplate in sheet bronze is part of a collection of similar pieces discovered in several stages at Marmesse (Haute-Marne), at the site known as “Petit Marais” (Small Marsh). In 1974 the first three cuirasses were discovered, placed one inside the other. They were unearthed by chance during terracing work in a sand quarry. Fragments of other cuirasses were discovered subsequently, and an archaeological survey was carried out in 1980, enabling the collection to be completed.In all, seven cuirasses were found at Marmesse, representing part of a votive hoard probably linked to the presence of a spring. The circumstances of the discovery of these defensive weapons, and the absence of any specific archaeological context, explain the imprecise dating, which is based purely on typological and stylistic considerations.The discoveries at Marmesse are part of an important series of hoards, which, at this pivotal time between the Bronze Age and the Iron Age, express in different ways the prestige and the power of a warrior elite. As well as carrying these prestigious defensive weapons, warriors wore helmets and greaves (leg protectors). Attacking weaponry consisted of a sword and a spear. This equipment evokes in some way the “bronze-clad” warriors described by Homer. We should not forget that the Trojan War took place at the end of the Bronze Age.

The first gold objects in France, the oldest in the whole of Western Europe, appeared in the South of France at the end of the Neolithic Period.Since the 3rd millennium, river silt has been panned to find flakes and nuggets of this precious metal. It was in the Bronze Age that gold artefacts became abundant and often impressive. As most of them have been found in hoards, we can conclude that these were votive offerings. This is true of the collection discovered at Villeneuve-Saint-Vistre (Marne) in 1910, at the place known as the “Sandstone Field”.Beneath an enormous 2 m2 block, the discovery was made of two small gold goblets, two open, ribbon-shaped bracelets, sixteen double gold wires and three rings, one of which has now disappeared. The collection was perhaps placed in a ceramic container, a few shards of which have been found. The association of jewellery and ceremonial vessels in gold is quite rare in France.