The Montefortino helmet was a traditional piece of Roman military gear designed to protect against blows to the top of the head. It was used from the 4th century B.C. until the 50s A.D. Compared to earlier models, it featured a wider faceplate and nape guard. This type of helmet was characterized by a distinctive crest holder with a hole for attaching a plume made of feathers or horsehair. The name of this military equipment was derived from a Celtic burial site in Montefortino, northern Italy. The “model” was inspired by helmets worn by Celts and Gauls.
The helmet, found on the seabed of the Mediterranean, was likely lost during the Battle of the Egadi Islands at the conclusion of the aforementioned war.
On March 10, 241 B.C., the ancient city-state of Carthage (located in modern-day Tunisia) and Rome clashed in the Battle of the Egadi Islands. According to the ancient historian Polybius, although the Carthaginians outnumbered the Roman army, the Romans were better prepared and defeated them decisively. As a result, Carthage surrendered Sicily, bringing an end to the 23-year-long First Punic War.
What else is known about the team’s discoveries?
Last year, a team of archaeologist divers from the Society for the Documentation of Underwater Objects discovered the helmet along with three dozen other metal artifacts. The researchers were excavating in the area where the ancient battle took place.
“This Montefortino helmet is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved ever found,” confirmed Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, the regional advisor for cultural heritage.
Previously, at least six other helmets believed to be related to that battle had been discovered near the Egadi Islands.
Among the new finds, which were covered in rust, researchers used computer tomography to uncover , spears, and darts. These metal items may have ended up in the sea after a Roman ship was captured by the Carthaginians.
“This was the most common type of helmet of its time. Interestingly, cheek plates were also found alongside it,” said Jeffrey Royal, an independent archaeologist who did not participate in the new study but has previously discovered several similar artifacts from the Battle of the Egadi Islands, in an interview with Live Science.