The seabed of the equal islands, off Sicily, concentrate the material traces of a decisive battle of ancient history: that of March 10, 241 BC. AD, which ended the First Punic War. Rome stated his maritime supremacy there against Carthage. It is precisely in this area, today mapped by Sicily Sea Surintendance with the scientific support of the Society for the Documentation of Submerged Sites (SDSS), that specialized divers have recently exhumed a bronze Roman helmet, of Montefortino type, in an exceptional state of conservation.
An exceptional wealth of underwater battle
The place of discovery is not trivial. In the northwest of Sicily, between the equal islands, one of the most decisive naval theaters in ancient history have been resting for more than two millennia: the battle of the equals. March 10, 241 BC. AD, the Roman fleet commanded by Gaius Lutatius Catulus faces the Carthaginian navy, led by Hannon. The outcome of the confrontation marks the end of the First Punic War, sealing the domination of Rome over the Western Mediterranean.
For the past fifteen years, the Sicilian authorities have undertaken a vast program of systematic submarine excavations in this strategic area. The objective is twofold: identify the wreck concentration zones and document the submerged military equipment. The methodological approach is based on Bathymetric surveys, Sonar imaging and deep diving operations.
The results are impressive. About 25 bronze naval rostters, used to sparland enemy ships, were extracted, as well as weapons, amphorae and currencies. Each find allows you to reconstruct the topography of the naval fight. It also allows to enrich knowledge on the equipment of Roman legionaries and sailors.
© Regione SicilianaBronze rostre recovered from the site.
The sea here does not only keep isolated vestiges, but a complete battlefield frozen in time. The whole is today a real underwater museum, unique by the concentration, diversity and state of conservation of its objects. This exceptional context gives the discovery of the helmet an extraordinary documentary and scientific value.
The Montefortino helmet found: typology, manufacturing and use
The helmet uncovered last August belongs to the so -called Montefortino typology. The name of an Italian site where the first copies were identified. It is a standardized model of Roman military equipment, in approximately use between the 4th century BC. AD and the 1st century APR. AD, in particular under the Republic. These bronze helmets are identified thanks to their rounded or conical cap. There is also a summit button in the shape of a fungus or pine cone, and a prominent rear edge protecting the neck. And above all the presence of paragnathides, or a precise protective protector Arkeonews.
© © Regione Siciliana
The model found is distinguished by its exceptional state of conservation, with the two players still in place. Rare fact because these elements were often lost or degraded. Paranathides, generally fixed by riveted rings, offered lateral protection while allowing good mobility of the jaw. Their integrity on this copy offers researchers a precious opportunity to study assembly techniques, foundry processes and the ergonomic choices of Roman guns.
This type of helmet, influenced by Celtic and Etruscan models, has been massively produced through Italy and the provinces. Estimates are advancing a production volume of 3 to 4 million units in total. Several regional subtypes exist: Canosa, Buggenum, Rieti. Each has variations in the form of the edge, the summit button or the shell.
The found helmet could thus allow a finer typological reassignment thanks to its integrity. It also sheds direct light on the equipment used by Roman troops in a maritime context. Indeed, humidity, mobility and visibility constraints dictated specific technical choices.
Scientific technologies mobilized for the analysis of the remains
The analysis of the Montefortino helmet and associated objects is not limited to their surface observation. The teams involved have implemented advanced imaging techniques, at the forefront of which is the computed tomography (CT-SCAN). These examinations were carried out in the radiology cabinet of Dr. Giuseppe Perricone in Trapani, specializing in the imagery of the artifacts.
This process made it possible to penetrate the layers of marine concretions without deteriorating objects, revealing unexpected internal forms. In total, thirty metallic artefacts were successfully scanned, including swords, lances and javelins, also from the battlefield of the equades. These objects were entirely covered with limestone or organic deposits, accumulated for two millennia underwater.
This recourse to the CT-SCAN represents a paradigm shift in the study of submerged archaeological material. It allows non -destructive identification, 3D modeling of objects, and sometimes even a reading of internal inscriptions or invisible welds. These data can then guide restoration interventions, by limiting invasive manipulations.
In parallel, metallurgical analysis should make it possible to determine the origin of the bronze, its exact composition (copper, tin, lead) and the molding processes. These data, crossed with known typologies, can draw production networks. Or even identify specific workshops operating for the Roman army. The joint mobilization of archaeological, medical and technological skills demonstrates the growing multidisciplinarity of underwater archeology. It transforms each object discovered into a source of multiple information. At the crossroads of history, the science of materials and heritage conservation.
A republican heritage between historical memory and museum valuation
Beyond its scientific value, the Montefortino helmet is part of a dynamic of cultural valuation carried by the Sicilian authorities. The regional advisor to cultural heritage, Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, underlined it in Fine sull'Arte. This discovery ” strengthens the image of Sicily as a guardian of a unique cultural heritage ». The helmet should be the subject of public exhibition, once the conservation phases have been completed.
The restoration was taken care of by SDSS specialists, with the financial support of Michel Garcia, an American patron engaged in the protection of submerged heritage. The helmet could integrate the museum route dedicated to the First Punic War.
This valuation has a strong identity dimension for Sicily. It recalls the strategic role of the island at the crossroads of ancient civilizations and its importance in the military history of Rome. Far from being a simple relic, this helmet becomes a vector of historical transmission, mobilizable in teaching, cultural tourism, but also in debates on the protection of seabed.
In addition, the chronological stratification of the Equads site makes it a transverse study space. Objects of the 5th century AD. J.-C. rub shoulders with those of the Republican era. It sheds light on conflicts as well as maritime trade, daily life of crews and naval techniques.
This project, at the crossroads of public institutions, scientific organizations and private actors, illustrates an effective model of heritage management and dissemination. He demonstrates that an old helmet, extract from the depths, can become a tool for knowledge, memory and radiation for an entire region.
Source: Regione Siciliana
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