A fine Greek Illyrian Bronze Helmet, ca. 6th century BCE

An excellent domed helmet with beautiful patina, hammered from a single sheet of bronze, the domed form, with a straight visor and a short flaring neck-guard, two raised parallel ridges running front to back across the crown, long cheekpieces, the face perimeter with ornate border of decorative punched circles, a hook at the forehead for the attachment of decorative horsehair of feathered plumes.

In the 8th century BCE, two new helmets emerged. They were made entirely of bronze and were products of advanced forging techniques. Their sudden appearance and widespread adoption is often attributed to the dominant form of combat in the 8th century. This dramatic style of violence involved crowds of heavily armored men ramming into each other. At some point, both sides would have a massive pushing contest all the while trying to stab the enemy with a spear or sword. Though the details of Greek battle are heatedly debated, scholars agree that the Ancient Greek warrior was protected from head to foot except at their face, throat, and lower thigh.

The first helmet was named the Illyrian Helmet by later scholars because of its popularity amongst the Macedonians and non-Greek Illyrians. However, the name is misleading as the Illyrian Helmet was originally developed in the Peloponnese and quickly became popular throughout Greece. Similar in shape to earlier Bronze Age helmets, the Illyrian Helmet covered the entire head, cheeks, and even part of the throat.

Reference: Jesse Obert, "A Brief History of Greek Helmets", AncientPlanet Online Journal Vol. 2 (2012), 48 – 59.

Dimensions: Height: 10 1/2 inches (26.6 cm)

Condition: Professionally stabilized, a small restored hole near the top of the helmet, otherwise, intact and in excellent condition overall with fine green/brown patina.  

Provenance: Axel Guttmann Collection (1944-2001), Berlin, Germany, acquired in Switzerland in the late 1980's, thereafter private Californian collection.