Rare Greek-Illyrian helmet discovered

A very rare bronze Greek-Illyrian helmet, used in Greece during the time of the Greco-Persian Wars, was discovered in a rock-cut tomb in Dalmatia, Croatia in 2020.

The form of the iconic open-faced helmet originated in the Peloponnese during the 8th and 7th centuries BC. The find was made during the exploration of the cave tomb in Zakotarac, located on the Pelješac peninsula, in southern Dalmatia, Croatia. The tomb was for a warrior buried in the 4th century BC. Part of the warrior’s skull appears to be visible from the openings of the helmet. The helmet is one of only about forty such helmets that have ever been found. Archaeologists also discovered a trove of ancient weapons, including spears and knives. Two other people were buried along with the warrior, including a woman, who was found wearing a bronze bracelet.