The Greek shield as a metal artifact and its reflection in the story of the Croesus’ gifts in Thebes

A groundbreaking study reveals that the term 'σάκος' (sakos) used by ancient Greek authors to describe shields, particularly in the context of Croesus’ gifts to Thebes, signifies a round shield with deep historical and religious significance. This interpretation is supported by archaeological evidence from Ancient Thebes, including an inscription mentioning 'φαενάν [ἀσπ]ίδα,' which suggests a connection to heroic antiquity. Researchers propose that these shields, dating back to the Late Bronze Age or later periods, were displayed in sanctuaries and served as symbols binding Thebans to their heroic past. The study combines archaeological data with literary tradition to offer new insights into the cultural and historical functions of Greek shields, supported by the Russian Science Foundation.

Mozhajsky, A. Yu., & Pichugina, V. K. (2020). The Greek shield as a metal artifact and its reflection in the story of the Croesus’ gifts in Thebes. Non-Ferrous Metals, 79–83. https://doi.org/10.17580/nfm.2020.02.10