Roman Helmet from Ancient Britain
Long covered by the sands of time, a beautifully ornate Roman helmet was unveiled today in Leicestershire, England. A former teacher and amateur archaeologist stumbled upon the find nearly ten years ago. Many treasures from the days of Roman rule in Britain have been unearthed, but this helmet may be the most unique. It was so covered by dirt and rust that it seems it was almost overlooked. It was used as a “rusty bucket” in which to gather the seemingly more valuable items in the area. The iron helmet, overlaid with silver leaf, is now estimated to be worth more than $460,000. The find is indeed extraordinary. Very few helmets of this quality and condition have been found.
“The helmet doesn’t seem to be damaged, so it could have been taken in battle but I think that’s not terribly likely,” Peter Liddle, community archaeologist for Leicestershire County Council, told Reuters.
“I think two things are the most likely — this belonged to a Briton who has fought in the Roman Army and got back home in one piece or it was a diplomatic gift from the Romans to a local ruler to cement an alliance,” he added.