Metal and Power   

Finds of military equipment from bog sites indicate that Germanic armies were apparently organised into a clear hierarchy. The number and material of the shield bosses suggest three ranks.   

Two silver shield bosses, presumably belonging to the leaders of a group of warriors, were recovered from the most recent deposition in the Thorsberg bog. Forty shield bosses made of non-ferrous metals, such as brass or bronze, represent a second rank group. Warriors of the lowest rank were equipped with iron shield bosses. These have not survived in the Thorsberg bog but have been found in the Nydam bog.  

Although the numbers are not identical at other sites, the trend is the same. Less clear-cut, but comparable, are sword hilts, scabbard fittings, horse harnesses and belt fittings. These too suggest different ranks based on their quality and material. Roman written sources also confirm a three-tiered structure within Germanic military units. 

Rank 1   

Shield bosses made of gilded silver represent the highest rank within the Germanic army. This elite group stood out not only because of the precious material used, but also due to their overall richer metal fittings, which emphasised their special status.   

Location: Thorsberg bog 

Material: Silver, gilded 

Rank 2   

Shield bosses made of non-ferrous metal are considered rank insignia of the middle hierarchy level. This group also possessed metal fittings, though to a significantly lesser extent and of lower value than those of the highest rank.   

Location: Thorsberg bog 

Material: Copper alloy 

Rank 3   

The lowest rank was simply equipped and largely dispensed with prestigious metals. Their shield bosses were made of iron – a functional material, but one that carried significantly less prestige than silver or non-ferrous metal.  

 Location: Nydam bog  

 Material: Iron