Reconstructions of the La Tène wagon wheels of Southeast Europe

Summary The examination in the relevant museums of the preserved metal parts of La Tène wagon graves of southeastern Europe enables, firstly, a precise determination of their function, and also the reconstruction of some wheels. The La Tène wheels were usually around 85 cm in diameter, hot iron tyres were pulled over the wooden felloes and fastened with a few additional nails (such as at Balsa or Toarcla). The wooden naves were reinforced with nave rings and pushed onto the axle-arm, the latter having a diameter of circa 5.5 cm. The axle nails prevented it from jumping off the axle-arm. In the case of the middle La Tène wagon wheels found at Curtuiușeni and the late La Tène chariot wheels found at Cugir, buffer rings with a band of circular fittings could be seen on the axle-arm between the axle nail and the nave head. In the case of Cugir the nave rings were made from cast bronze and the buffer ring claddings from wrought bronze.