A rare bronze Greek helmet, along with a treasure trove of other artefacts, has been found in a hollowed out cave-tomb in Croatia.
Found on the Croatian Dalmatian coast, the tomb contained the helmet, a bracelet, spears, arrow-heads and rare vases. The body of a warrior was also found, who was wearing the helmet, along with two other bodies, one of which was a woman.
It is believed that while the helmet dates from around 2,600 or 2,700 years ago, the tomb and body itself date from around 2,300 years ago. Meaning that the helmet was likely buried along with the warrior as a ceremonial piece of attire, as opposed to something the warrior would have actually worn day-to-day in his real-life. It is said that while bones of the individuals were still intact, they were not in a particularly good condition.
This type of bronze helmet, known as an Illyrian helmet, is the one most associated in the popular mind with Greek battledress and was first used by Greek Etruscans and Scythians. It fell out of use by around the time of the 4th century B.C. but would have been wore prominently around the time of the Greco-Persian wars, which came to shape much of Ancient Greek society.
The vases that were found are particularly rare and are thought to have been manufactured in either Italy or Greece. These vases are believed to have played a part in ancient ceremonies, particularly in those ceremonies involving the wealthier members of society as a means of showing off their wealth.
It is thought that it is likely the case that there are a significant number of similar undiscovered burial sites in the region, and archaeologists will now be seeking to uncover these and thereby build up a more in-depth knowledge of Ancient Greek life within the Balkans. Such discoveries, far from the centre of Ancient Greece, are a reminder as to just how far the influence of Ancient Greece spread. Alexander the Great himself took his Ancient Greek armies as far as India and Pakistan in their desire to conquer the known world.
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