Throughout ancient Europe and the Mediterranean a considerable quantity of archaeological objects have been found, which, because their specific function is not fully understood, are generally referred to as ‘phalara’. Typically the name is applied to a bronze disc of variable size with a domed central portion and a flat surrounding rim.

The amount of literature devoted to this subject is large, and it is not the purpose of this article to enter into a wide-ranging review of the theories advanced to explain the function of these artefacts. It might be useful, however, briefly to summarize the opinions of Professor Snodgrass, a leading contender in the discussion, which have been most recently expressed, I believe, in an article entitled ‘Bronze “Phalara”—A Review’ published in 1973.