12. Event title:
Bronze Age Combat: An experimental approach
13. Description of the core message of your event and key topics to be covered (c.100 words):
The project seeks to investigate Bronze Age combat through an innovative experimental approach. Analysis of prehistoric weapons has revealed an array of ancient combat marks, but it is not yet fully clear how these marks were generated, in what kind of combat encounters, and with what weapon and body motions. The project investigates the problem through a series of controlled combat experiments with custom-made replicas of copper-alloy weapons including four swords, four spears, and two axes. A rigorous experimental protocol will be devised for testing these weapons on two leather shields, other weapons, and pig carcasses. The project and experiment (as well as the research context and imaginative research methods) will be presented at a public lecture followed by a combat experiment demo.
14. Does the event have particular local relevance?:
15. If so, please indicate what this is:
The event will highlight the scientific importance of the rich collection of Bronze Age weaponry hosted by the Great North Museum : Hancock (Newcastle upon Tyne)
16. How does your event relate to this year's theme of 'Making waves'?:
The event intends to generate interest in prehistoric warfare studies and use-wear analysis of copper-alloy artefacts, both in the scientific community and the general public
