Zakotorac, Croatia – Archaeologists in Croatia have made a remarkable discovery of a 2,500-year-old metal helmet within an Illyrian burial mound, shedding light on ancient practices in the region. The helmet was unearthed at the Gomile archaeological site on the Pelješac Peninsula near the Adriatic Sea, dating back to a period between the end of the sixth century B.C. and the beginning of the fourth century B.C., according to Hrvoje Potrebica, an archaeology professor leading the excavation at the University of Zagreb.
The Gomile site, known for its multiple burial mounds, has provided a glimpse into the rich history of the Illyrians, a people mentioned in ancient Greek records who thrived in the region. Divided among various tribes and kingdoms, the Illyrians eventually faced conquest by the Romans through a series of wars from 229 to 168 B.C.
While the newly discovered helmet awaits conservation, it appears to be in excellent condition, raising questions about its purpose within the burial mound. Potrebica suggested that the helmet might have been a votive offering to honor deceased ancestors or play a role in a cult practice related to the entire mound rather than a specific individual or grave.
Domagoj Perkić, director of the Archaeological Museum in Dubrovnik Museums, noted the potential psychological impact of the shiny helmet on the enemy if it was used in battle. The gleaming helmet worn by a warrior under the sunlight on the eve of a battle could evoke fear and awe in the opposing forces, enhancing its significance in ancient warfare tactics.
In a separate discovery in 2020, archaeologists found another helmet in a neighboring burial mound. Both helmets, housed in stone structures away from individual graves, hint at a broader ceremonial or ritualistic significance that transcends individual burials. Collaboration between the Centre for Prehistoric Research in Zagreb, Dubrovnik Museums, and the Institute of Archaeology in Croatia is driving the ongoing research at the Gomile site to unravel more mysteries from the ancient Illyrian civilization.