The archaeology of ancient pastoral sites in the territory of Montescaglioso (4th - 1st century BC). An interdisciplinary approach from the Bradano valley (Basilicata - southern Italy)

This paper discusses a complete set of hoplite armour (panoply), found in tomb 672 at Chiaromonte (Basilicata), consisting of a “Corinthian” helmet, front and back greaves, bronze protection for the left forearm, and an iron sword. The tomb group can be compared to other tombs with panpolies at Chiaromonte, datable to the 6th century BC on the basis of other contexts in the region containing “Corinthian” helmets. Furthermore, the archaeological evidence from Chiaromonte is used to contextualize this important indigenous settlement centre against the backdrop of the “North- Lucanian” and the “Oinotrian” cultures. Finally, 6th-century Chiaromonte is related to the political and military system of Sybaris, mentioned by ancient sources, but so far scarcely attested “on the ground.” The author argues that the elite of Chiaromonte served in the cavalry of Sybaris.