Cleveland Museum of Art

Corinthian Helmet

Date

500–475 BCE or modern (before 1926)

Medium

bronze with silver inlay

Culture

Greece

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

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. 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.).

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