Illyrian Helmet from the British Museum

Este yelmo es el famoso Casco ilirio del Museo Británico, adquirido por la institución en 1914 tras ser descubierto en el cauce del río Alfeos en Olimpia, Grecia. Además de su fina decoración, el casco cuenta con una importante inscripción grabada en alfabeto arcadio/beocio que… pic.twitter.com/Qr5RfYfjDP — El Club del Arte 🎨📷📚🖼🕍🎼 (@Arteymas_) September 23, 2026

This Illyrian Helmet from the British Museum was acquired in 1914 after being discovered in the bed of the Alfeos River in Olympia, Greece. It was crafted around 500 BC in Greece from a single hammered bronze sheet. The inscription reads that the helmet was captured and offered to the god Zeus Olympian by the inhabitants of the city of Coronea after a military victory. The lions on the brow and the figures of the riders on the cheekpieces were created as repoussé silver appliqués that were subsequently attached to the bronze with small rivets. It was likely used for religious purposes, to be displayed on panhellenic sacred altars. The Illyrians were divided among different tribes and kingdoms and were gradually conquered by the Romans in a series of wars that occurred between 229 and 168 B.C.