Italian archaeologists discovered a “practically intact” metal battle helmet during a recent search in the Ionian Sea. The Superintendence of the Sea (SopMare) announced the discovery on Thursday, revealing that the object was found in waters outside Vendicari, a small island on Sicily’s southeast coast. The helmet, believed to have been produced between the late 1400s and 1600s, is of a Spanish and Portuguese style known as a “cabasset” or “capacete.” It was found around 16 feet deep and covered in concretions, indicating that it had been underwater for as many as 600 years.
Researchers from the University of Naples assisted with the search, and a scuba diver carefully brought the helmet back to the water’s surface, possibly for the first time in centuries. The infantry helmet, with its semi-spherical cup and low upper ridge, was a common style among soldiers during that period and was also used by ship troops. The discovery raises the possibility of finding more relics in the area, prompting SopMare to continue underwater reconnaissance to uncover additional information about the artifact and its historical context.
The helmet’s discovery provides insight into the military equipment used during the late medieval and early modern periods, shedding light on the style and construction of helmets worn by infantry and ship troops of that era. The finding is particularly significant due to the helmet’s level of preservation, as it is described as being “practically intact.” The archaeologists and researchers involved in the search hope to further examine the area and potentially uncover more artifacts or relics that could be related to the helmet, expanding our understanding of the historical significance of the site.
The helmet’s location in the Ionian Sea off the coast of Vendicari adds to the rich history of the region, which has been a hub of maritime activity for centuries. As a small island on Sicily’s southeast coast, Vendicari has likely been a strategic point for trade and military operations throughout history. The discovery of the helmet in this area highlights the importance of underwater archaeology in uncovering valuable artifacts and shedding light on past civilizations and their technologies.
The announcement of the helmet’s discovery by SopMare underscores the organization’s commitment to protecting and preserving ancient artifacts found in sea waters. By collaborating with researchers and utilizing modern technology such as scuba diving equipment, SopMare is able to conduct thorough searches and recover valuable objects like the metal battle helmet. The find emphasizes the importance of safeguarding underwater cultural heritage and conducting further research to enhance our knowledge of the past.
Overall, the discovery of the metal battle helmet in the Ionian Sea off the coast of Vendicari represents a significant archaeological find that provides valuable information about military equipment and warfare practices during the late medieval and early modern periods. The artifact’s condition and style offer insights into the craftsmanship and design of helmets used by infantry and ship troops, contributing to our understanding of historical military strategies and technologies. The ongoing research and exploration efforts in the area promise to reveal more information about the artifact and potentially uncover additional relics that may be connected to its origin and use in the past.
