The Indo-European Thracians are often associated with Anatolia and the Balkans, but many of their tribes also settled elsewhere in Central Europe, notably to the north of the Black Sea. It is here that these cheek pieces likely originated, given highly comparable equine equipment has been excavated in Thraco-Cimmerian burial sites (known as ‘kurgan’) dated to the late Bronze Age, early Iron Age.
Horse trappings were undoubtedly part and parcel of being a Thracian, who were known as fearsome fighters, the most famous of which was the great gladiator Spartacus. Thracians even acted as mercenaries for the Athenians, who incorporated these allies into their own material culture. Thracians are represented for instance on Grecian jugs, pictured in their marvellous ceremonial combat capes and helmets, and leading their armoured steeds.
