ARCHAIC PERIOD, CIRCA MID-6TH CENTURY B.C.

By the late 7th and early 6th centuries B.C., the Corinthian helmet was the most popular choice in headgear due to its combination of elegant form with maximum protection, leaving just a small area of the warrior's face exposed. The type improved upon earlier models, in terms of its shape and ease of production. As seen on the present example, the Greek craftsmen of this period had learned to fashion helmets from a single sheet of bronze, rather than two halves welded together, strengthening it and adding more protection for the warrior. It also features the peaked dart that divided the cheek- and neck-guards, as opposed to the earlier prototype on which the cheek-pieces and neck-guard were all the same length. This was perhaps adopted from the less popular Illyrian helmet, which was used concurrently (see P. Connolly, Greece and Rome at War, 1998, p. 60). The type also minimized the T-shaped portion of exposed skin, adding extra protection for the eyes, nose and mouth, although making it harder to breathe, see and hear. Aesthetics were also taken into account by this time, and features such as a clearly defined, stylised brow emerged, as seen with this example.

The punched holes along the perimeter were frequently employed to allow lacing of a leather or linen padded lining, which held the helmet securely on the head. This helmet is an outstanding example of the fine craftsmanship of early Greek metal work and the elegant shape is further complimented by the beautiful patches of blue azurite and malachite green patina. For related examples, see nos. 28-32 in A. Bottini, et al., Antike Helme, Mainz, 1988.