Sicily, Italy – Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved Roman helmet dating back more than 2,000 years to the era of the First Punic War, the first great Mediterranean conflict between Rome and Carthage. The Sicilian Regional Government announced the discovery on September 5, 2025, confirming it was found in waters near the Aegadian Islands last August.
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An Extraordinary Discovery
The helmet, identified as a bronze Montefortino-type helmet, was recovered by divers close to the site of the Battle of the Aegates (241 BCE), the decisive confrontation that ended the First Punic War. Archaeologists described the artifact as being in an “extraordinary state of preservation.”
Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, Regional Councillor for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, hailed it as “one of the most beautiful and fully recovered examples ever found.”
Weapons of War Recovered
Alongside the helmet, archaeologists also recovered 30 heavy artifacts, including swords, lances, and spears. CT scans confirmed the weapons’ ancient origins, linking them directly to the historic battle.
Divers also unearthed a bronze naval ram, a weapon once used to crush enemy ships. The ram bore a Latin inscription: “Servius Sulisius, Gaius’s son, Quaestor, Approved.” Experts believe this may refer to Gaius Sulpicius, a Roman consul who played a significant role during the conflict.
Sicily’s Role as a Guardian of History
“This discovery not only enriches our understanding of the Battle of 241 BCE, but also strengthens the image of Sicily as a guardian of cultural heritage,” said Scarpinato. He emphasized that the island would continue investing in the protection and promotion of its archaeological treasures, which serve as both a cultural and identity resource for Sicily and the world.
A Boom in Italian Archaeological Discoveries
The helmet is part of a wave of significant archaeological finds across Italy. In Puglia, sewer workers uncovered a 2,300-year-old tomb earlier this year. Meanwhile, in Sardinia, researchers recently discovered mysterious “Fairy Houses” caves dating back thousands of years.
Conclusion
The discovery of the Montefortino helmet near the Aegadian Islands provides a rare and tangible connection to the ancient First Punic War and Rome’s rise as a Mediterranean power. Together with weapons and naval artifacts, the find sheds new light on one of the most decisive battles in history while reinforcing Sicily’s role as a cornerstone of cultural heritage.