In the Leicestershirein the early 2000s, a group of amateur archaeologists made an extraordinary discovery bringing to light during the excavations a metal object, strongly oxidized and apparently insignificant. Initially exchanged for simple scrap, the finding proved to be a roman cavalry helmet helmetrichly decorated with inlays in gold and silver.
To ensure maximum protection of the finding, the helmet came Transferred to the British Museumwhere expert restorers began a meticulous conservation work. The artifact, known today as Hallaton helmetit was so deteriorated that it was necessary Take it carefully within a block of earth. Through sophisticated scan and restoration technologies, scholars managed to bring him back to his ancient splendorrecovering about 80% of the original structure.
The decoration of the helmet is particularly full of symbols. The front part presents the bust of one Woman framed by animalswhile the bacons show a Roman emperor on horseback, accompanied by the goddess Victory in flight. A curled figure appears under the horse’s hooves, probably the representation of a defeated British warrior.
One of the two replicas is made by an Italian archaeologist
The helmet was not the only value find found on the site of Hallaton. Next to it were discovered beyond 5,000 coins of the Iron Age and Romanopork bones and precious silver artifacts. Archaeologists believe that the area was a sanctuary dedicated to sacred rites and military celebrations, dating back to the era ofRoman invasion of Britannia in 43 AD
To allow the public to appreciate the finding, two were made Replicas of the helmetfollowing different methodologies. One was created by the Argentiere Rajesh Gogna which used scans 3D To digitally reconstruct the artifact and then plaque it in gold and silver. The other reply was Forged by the Italian archaeologist Francesco Gallucciowho preferred artisan methods similar to those used by the ancient Romans.
After twenty years of work, theHallaton helmet has finally returned to Harborough Museumwhere it is now exposed together with the two replicas. This extraordinary find offers a precious look at the Roman presence in Britain and the skill of the craftsmen of the time.
