X-ray and neutron radiography of Late Bronze Age weapons and armour from Western Hungary

The study introduces 2D images of X-ray and neutron radiography analyses carried out on Late Bronze Age Transdanubian combat weapons, a potential shield fragment, armour, and helmet fragments. The results were provided in the framework of the ‘Technology, Use and Manipulation of Weapons from Late Bronze Age Transdanubia’ research programme (2020–2024). The studied finds originate from different sites and contexts: a rapier (Keszthely), swords (Nagydém A-B, Tab), spearheads (Bonyhád area, Budakeszi A-B, Celldömölk Ság Hill II, Keszőhidegkút, Pölöske), an arrowhead (Pázmándfalu III), a ‘helmet’ (Keszőhidegkút), a cuirass (Pázmándfalu I/II), a ‘cuirass/helmet’ (Szentgáloskér), a ‘shield’ (Szentgáloskér), and a dagger (Tahitótfalu). Using methods less applied in Bronze Age research in Hungary, we provided new results on the casting technology of these objects, casting defects, and production techniques and repairs of sheet metal objects.