Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkably preserved helmet dating back more than 2,000 years to the First Punic War, Italy’s first great Mediterranean conflict. The Sicilian regional government announced the find on Sept. 5, revealing it was discovered last August in the waters off the Aegates Islands.
An Extraordinary Find
The bronze Montefortino-type helmet, complete with cheek guards, was found by divers near the site of the Battle of the Aegates (241 B.C.), the decisive clash between Rome and Carthage that ended the First Punic War. Officials described the helmet as being in “extraordinary condition.”
Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, regional councilor for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, called it “one of the most beautiful and complete ever recovered.”
Weapons of War Recovered
Alongside the helmet, archaeologists retrieved 30 heavily encrusted artifacts, which CT scans revealed to be swords, lances, and javelins. These weapons are believed to have been used during the historic battle.
Excavators also discovered a bronze ram—a naval weapon used to crush enemy ships—engraved with a Latin inscription: “Servius Sulpicius, quaestor, son of Gaius, approved.” Experts say “Gaius” could refer to Gaius Sulpicius, a Roman consul during the war.
Sicily’s Role as Guardian of History
“These discoveries not only enrich historical knowledge of the 241 B.C. battle, but also strengthen the image of our island as the guardian of a cultural heritage unique in the world,” Scarpinato said.
He added that Sicily will continue to invest in protecting and promoting its heritage, which serves as a “fundamental cultural and identity resource” for the island.
A Surge in Italian Discoveries
The helmet is part of a wave of recent archaeological finds across Italy. In Puglia, sewer workers uncovered a 2,300-year-old tomb earlier this year, while in Sardinia, three mysterious “fairy houses” were found this summer.
This story is developing. Check back for updates on the excavation and preservation efforts.
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