Archaeologists found an ancient Greek helmet in Italy

During excavations on the acropolis of the ancient Greek city of Elea, archaeologists discovered a well-preserved helmet.

About the valuable find tells Heritage Daily. This is the third such specimen found in the ancient city. Probably, the researchers suggest, during the war or after the battle the helmet was brought to Athena for safekeeping.

The city of Elea, a center of learning and philosophy, was founded by the Greeks in 538-535 BC. It was located on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, in the modern Italian province of Salerno.

In 2022, a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Athena was discovered on the acropolis, and archaeological excavations are currently underway there.

The ancient Greek goddess Athena was often depicted wearing a helmet and holding a spear; she personified wisdom and craft, and her name was also associated with war. The discovered sanctuary was built after the Battle of Alalia during the war between the Greeks and the Etruscan allies with the Carthaginians, between 540 and 535 BC.

Archaeologists also found the remains of a painted brick wall, possibly an early form of sanctuary, and polygonal blocks typical of ancient Greek architecture. Another important find was pottery with the word “sacred”.

Italy’s culture minister told reporters that the discovery of the Greek helmet and inscription underscores the need to invest in archaeological research to identify “important fragments of Mediterranean history.”

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