Artwork Page for Corinthian Helmet

Details / Information for Corinthian Helmet

Corinthian Helmet

500–475 BCE or modern (before 1926)

Greece

Medium
bronze with silver inlay
Measurements
Overall: 21.5 cm (8 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of J. H. Wade 1926.54
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

This helmet is very heavy—2.56 kilograms (5 lbs., 10 oz.), compared to average ancient helmets of 1.2–1.6 kilograms (about 3 lbs.).

Description

Probably cast and then hammered into shape, this bronze helmet belongs to a type known as Corinthian, with almond-shaped eye holes, large cheekpieces, and a wide nose guard. Its significant weight raised early suspicions about authenticity, and although a 1928 technical examination found no conclusive evidence of forgery, scholars have continued to doubt its antiquity. Unusual details include the intact rivets, or metal fasteners, meant to secure liners; usually only their holes survive. The dueling warriors and inlaid palmette above the brow also find few parallels, and the silver meander pattern is unique. Most recently, a 2024 analysis found that both the copper and silver alloys of the helmet differ significantly from those expected in an ancient Greek helmet.
Bronze Corinthian helmet, a helmet completely covering the face save for an eye-hole with narrow edges widening until they meet a nose guard extending down between them and into the rectangular gap between the two cheek pieces. A border with silver rectangular spirals and circular rivets run around the edges of the helmet. On the forehead sits a symbol like flaring flower petals with barely visible incisions of two people fighting with spears above. t

Corinthian Helmet

500–475 BCE or modern (before 1926)

Greece

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