Iron Age suspension
Chariots in other cultures are for standing on, not sitting on, so here was a nettle that had to be grasped. What was it about European chariots that not only necessitated the driver to sit down but enabled them to do so?
'This rough terrain ... necessitated a seated driver, as he would require a lower centre of gravity.'
The Egyptians, Chinese, Assyrians, Persians and Indians all used their chariots in plains warfare. European chariot remains, however, are found in rough country - coarse grassed, hilly, bumpy and rutted. Perhaps this rough terrain is exactly what necessitated a seated driver, as he would require a lower centre of gravity if he was to remain stable. But there was no evidence to demonstrate what the suspension system might have been like.
The grave find at Wetwang provided no clues, but there was something on Roman coins and on the Padua stele. All these depictions showed the vehicles to have two bowed arches on each side, and a 'Y' configuration in the centre of these.
So the researchers decided to build their reconstruction with these arched sides and to make the Ys into rawhide straps. The three-sided box platform could then be suspended from the Y straps like a hammock. The hope was that this would give adequate suspension.
Published: 2005-01-25
