4th century BC warrior wearing Montefortino helmet found

A warrior equipped with a Montefortino helmet was found in Crecchio, Italy. The helmet dates from the 4th century BC and probably belongs to a Samnite warrior. Montefortino type was popular among the Italic peoples: Romans, Samnites, and Etruscans were equipped with the Montefortino. Due to its simple design and ease of manufacture, the Montefortino replaced Greek types in the Roman army after the 4th century BC, when a simple helmet was required to equip a growing number of Roman legions.

The Montefortino helmet was used from around 400 BC through the 1st century AD with modifications. The helmet is named after the region of Montefortino (frazione of Arcevia) in Italy, where it was first uncovered in a Celtic burial. The helmet was brought to Italy by the Senones. It was the most popular helmet in the Roman army during the Republican period.