Marine archaeologists have recovered a rare and exceptionally preserved Roman-era Montefortino helmet from the Mediterranean Sea near Sicily's Egadi Islands. The artifact is believed to have been lost during the pivotal Battle of the Aegates in 241 BC, which marked the conclusive end of the First Punic War.
The Montefortino helmet, a style introduced to the Romans by the Celts and in use from the 4th century BC, is known for its robust construction and protective cheek pieces. Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, the regional councilor for cultural heritage, described the artifact as one of the most beautiful and complete examples ever found, highlighting its significant historical value.
The Battle of the Aegates, fought on March 10, 241 BC, was a decisive naval victory for Rome, leading to Carthage's surrender of Sicily and solidifying Rome's dominance in the Western Mediterranean. The discovery of this helmet enhances our understanding of this critical historical event and underscores Sicily's role in preserving unique cultural heritage.
Divers from the Society for the Documentation of Submerged Sites made the discovery, also recovering approximately thirty other metal artifacts. These included weapons such as swords, spears, and javelins, all preserved by the seabed. CT scans were used to examine these items, providing insights into their condition and potential use. It is theorized that these items may have been lost when a Roman ship was captured by Carthaginian forces.
One previously recovered artifact, a naval ram, bore an inscription that archaeologists suggest may indicate the involvement of Gaius Sulpicius, a Roman magistrate active during the First Punic War. This find is part of ongoing underwater research in the Egadi Islands, a region that has yielded a wealth of artifacts from the First Punic War, including numerous Montefortino helmets, bronze naval rams, weapons, and amphorae.
The helmet's exceptional preservation, complete with its cheek guards, offers invaluable insights into ancient Roman manufacturing techniques and military accouterments. Its survival over two millennia underwater is a testament to the protective qualities of the marine environment and the meticulous recovery efforts.