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A Roman helmet was discovered at the site of the Battle of Aegates off the western coast of Sicily. The battle, in March 241 BCE, was the final and deciding Roman victory of the 23-year-long First Punic War against the Carthaginians (see previous post below). Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved Roman Montefortino helmet off the western coast of Sicily, near the Aegadian Islands, dating back to the First Punic War (264–241 BC). This conflict marked the beginning of Rome’s long struggle with Carthage for control of the western Mediterranean. Key Highlights: Helmet Type: Montefortino, known for its conical bronze form, mushroom-shaped knob, flared rim, and neck guard. It was standard Roman military gear from approximately 300 BC to the 1st century AD. Condition: Intact, with both cheekpieces preserved—a rare find for underwater artifacts. Battle Context: Likely from the Battle of the Aegates (241 BC), the decisive naval engagement that ended the First Punic War and gave Rome control of Sicily. Ongoing Survey: Sicily’s Superintendency of the Sea has been conducting underwater studies for over 15 years, uncovering a treasure trove of artifacts, including bronze rams (rostra), weapons, and other helmets. https://www.heritagedaily.com/2025/09/intact-roman-helmet-from-first-punic-war-discovered/155936 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Aegates