“The helmet was probably cast and then hammered into shape,” according to the auction house, as reported by Focus Online. “This piece is a rare and exceptionally well-preserved bronze helmet from ancient Greece, likely ᴀssociated with a Spartan warrior, and offers a glimpse into the art and skill of ancient Greek craftsmen,” said Ivan Bonchev, director of Apollo Art Auctions, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
The helmet is being auctioned on behalf of a private collector, according to Focus Online. The organization Art Loss Register confirmed that the helmet is not stolen or missing.
Corinthian helmets, named after the ancient Greek city-state of Corinth, are known for their distinctive design and were commonly used by Greek warriors. “Almond-shaped eye holes, large cheek-pieces and a wide nose-guard” characterize the Corinthian helmet style, wrote Apollo Art Auctions on Facebook, as reported by Focus Online.
According to archaeologist Anthony Snodgrᴀss, Corinthian helmets were used by warriors from many other Greek city-states, including Sparta. Snodgrᴀss wrote in his book “The Greek Armory” that helmets of this style were used from the 7th century BCE. The production of Corinthian helmets continued in Greece until at least the 4th century BCE.
Experts believe that Corinthian helmets limited the peripheral vision of the wearer. This limitation may not have been significant in the phalanx battles of ancient Greece, as warriors stood in a regular line and aimed their shields and spears forward. Some later versions of Corinthian helmets had holes on the sides for the ears, allowing warriors to hear better. The helmet being sold this month in London lacks these ear holes.
Many Corinthian helmets were decorated with crests made of horsehair, and some were adorned with colorful paint and intricate patterns, especially those belonging to elite members, as noted by Smithsonian Magazine. These helmets were often lined with cushioning material to protect soldiers’ heads during combat. The helmet sports rows of tiny holes, which would have been used to attach helmet liners via small metal fasteners, as reported by Smithsonian Magazine.
Corinthian helmets were symbols of the Greek infantry’s military style and have become symbols of the ancient world, with the hoplite being one of the quintessential images ᴀssociated with ancient Greece. Experts say the helmet belonged to a hoplite, a kind of ancient Greek foot soldier who wore heavy armor to shield themselves. “No part of the hoplite panoply is more iconic than his helmet, made even more famous by films like 300 and Troy,” reported Smithsonian Magazine.
“Corinthian helmets are best known for their immediately recognizable shape: the domed head, the slightly flaring neck guard, the elongated eye openings,” said Hannah Solomon, an ancient art and antiquities specialist at Christie’s. “Aesthetically, it’s a beautiful form that has a lyrical nature,” added Solomon.
The city of Corinth was famous for its culture and warriors, and it became a commercial hub around the eighth century BCE due to its coastal location, fertile soil, and plentiful natural resources.
The Roman general Lucius Mummius destroyed Corinth in 146 BCE. A century later, Julius Caesar established Corinth as a Roman colony, accounting for the many Roman ruins that stand today.
Remains of Corinthian helmets have been found in many archaeological sites, but well preserved helmets are rare.
The helmet is “one of the best preserved specimens” to hit the market in recent years, according to the lot listing.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq
