By Dimosthenis Vasiloudis

Ancient Craft, Modern Hands: Dimitrios Katsikis Reimagines The Panoply of Aristion, Citizen of Erchia

In the field of ancient Greek armor creation, one name stands out: Dimitrios Katsikis, the sole armorer in Greece who has managed to revive a long-lost craft. His work not only preserves the ancient art of Greek armory but also breathes new life into the historical and cultural heritage of Greece. His latest project, the reproduction of the famous panoply of Aristion, a prominent figure from the archaic period, has become a striking addition to his celebrated collection of hand-forged armors.

Dimitrios Katsikis has established a unique niche in Greece, having developed a new sector of cultural, educational, and touristic interest through the art of Hellenic armory. His dedication to this craft has transformed the way people view ancient Greek history, especially through his innovative reproductions of historically significant armors. This time, Katsikis focused on the ancient city of Spata, his hometown, which dates back to the archaic period, aiming to highlight the region’s rich history and unveil hidden archaeological treasures. His latest project promises to strengthen the cultural footprint of the city and promote its ancient legacy.

Aristion’s Panoply: A Symbol of Greek Military Excellence

The central figure of this work is Aristion, the oldest known citizen of ancient Erchia (modern-day Spata, Attica), who lived during the 6th century BCE. His funerary stele, carved from Pentelic marble around 510 BCE, depicts Aristion as a young, bearded hoplite, clad in full military armor, including a Corinthian helmet with a crest, a linen cuirass, greaves, and a spear. This stele, crafted by the renowned sculptor Aristocles, has been exhibited for decades at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens (Exhibit No. 29).

Katsikis’ reproduction of Aristion’s panoply is based on the relief from the stele and its polychromatic plaster cast as it was displayed in the groundbreaking exhibition "Coloured Gods: The Polychromy of Ancient Statues." Organized by the German classical archaeologist Vinzenz Brinkmann, the exhibition highlighted how ancient Greek sculptures originally appeared in vibrant colors, overturning the misconception of monochrome white marble statues. The reconstruction of the stele (Version B) was realized in 2006 in collaboration with the painter Ulrike Koch-Brinkmann, bringing Aristion's image back to life.

The Craft Behind the Armor

Katsikis meticulously recreated Aristion’s armor, ensuring every detail was historically accurate. The cuirass, or dermatothorax, was made from thick, vegetable-tanned leather, dyed in a yellow hue and adorned with intricate decorations. It featured shoulder guards, a primary torso section, and double flaps. The front of the shoulder guards was embellished with pairs of colorful stars and lion heads in frontal display, while geometric patterns ran horizontally across the chest, and a zig-zag design bordered the lower flaps. The exposed right armpit area, vulnerable to attack, was protected by scale armor, a feature commonly found on sculptures of the period, such as the Heracles archer statue from the Temple of Aphaea on Aegina. The edges of the cuirass were bound in folded blue leather, hand-stitched, and secured by bronze lion-shaped clasps, a feature typical of ancient Greek armor.

The greaves were crafted from bronze sheets, hammered hot into shape, and lined with soft fabric. Their edges were sewn with yellow leather, and the exterior was painted blue, mimicking the original appearance as seen on the stele. Katsikis also hand-forged a Corinthian-style helmet, made from a single 60-centimeter copper disc and equipped with a colorful horsehair crest. The crest was attached to the helmet with animal glue, emphasizing the artisan’s attention to historical authenticity.

The shield, an integral part of the hoplite's equipment, was wooden, adorned with a mythological sphinx in vivid colors, following Brinkmann’s research into the polychromy of ancient statues.

A Triumph of Historical Recreation

Katsikis' recreation of Aristion's armor is a testament to his dedication to reviving an ancient craft and presenting it in a tangible, three-dimensional form. This museum-quality reproduction allows viewers to envision what the ancient hoplite Aristion might have looked like in full battle attire, as immortalized by the sculptor Aristocles.

This incredible exhibit is now housed in the new Cultural Center of the Municipality of Spata, located in the city's former First Elementary School. It represents a major cultural achievement for the local community, as well as a valuable contribution to the wider understanding of ancient Greek military history.

Dimitrios Katsikis' work, in collaboration with archaeologists and historians, is more than just an artistic endeavor; it is an important cultural project that bridges the gap between modern society and the ancient world. His dedication to the craft of armory has not only rekindled an ancient tradition but has also ensured that the legacy of Aristion and other historical figures will continue to inspire future generations.