Sicilian waters have yielded an extraordinary archaeological treasure – a bronze Montefortino-type helmet complete with intact cheek guards, recovered from the site of the decisive Battle of the Aegates that ended the First Punic War in 241 BC. The exceptional discovery was made last August by deep-water divers from the Society for the Documentation of Submerged Sites (Sdss) off Sicily’s Egadi Islands.
The helmet represents one of the most complete examples of Roman military equipment ever recovered from the famous naval battlefield. Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, Sicily’s Councilor for Cultural Heritage, declared it “one of the most beautiful and complete ever recovered,” emphasizing how such finds strengthen Sicily’s position as guardian of unique Mediterranean heritage.
Montefortino Helmets: Roman Military Innovation
The Montefortino helmet evolved from Celtic and Etrusco-Italic designs in the 4th century BC, becoming Rome’s standard military headgear for centuries. Characterized by rounded bronze bowls, central knobs for plume attachment, and protective neck guards, these helmets were mass-produced with an estimated 3-4 million manufactured during their use.
