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South Leicestershire Helmet
#1
I've just found out that a Roman Cavalry Helmet has very recently been excavated in South Leicestershire ( near Market Harborough). The description I've been given is that it is Iron covered in Silver gilt and has reppousse work that is of the same or maybe higher quality to the Xanten helmet!
The really interesting part is that it was found in a British ritual context and the original inhumation date is placed at between AD20 and AD40 (with 40 on the outside edge of probability). I believe that it is in the late stages of post ex at the moment, does anyone here know any more? DR Mike?
Tasciavanous
AKA James McKeand
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#2
Is this the same helmet? If so, I too would be very interested- its been in the British Museum (I assume) for quite a while.......Surely a drawing or more detailed photo must exist by now?

Cheers

Britannicus

http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART15913.html

PRE-INVASION ROMAN HELMET FIND COULD REWRITE HISTORY BOOKS
By David Prudames 07/04/2003


Left: the coins, initially discovered by an amateur, were removed and examined by archaeologists from the University of Leicester. Courtesy of The British Museum.

Amateur archaeologists in Leicestershire have unearthed what could be one of the country's most significant Iron Age and Roman finds.

An initial discovery by an amateur group has led to the discovery of over 3000 silver and gold Iron Age coins at what appears to be a feasting site and the first Roman gilded silver helmet to be found in Britain.

The local group working with the Leicestershire County Council's Community Archaeological Project discovered the site while fieldwalking in 2000. It was group member Ken Wallace who, upon returning with a metal detector, unearthed the coins.

“This is a discovery of international significance and one that has surprised us at every turn,â€ÂÂ
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aka Paul B, moderator
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#3
Quote:Is this the same helmet?
Yes it is I should have qualified my recently as it was excavated 2 years ago now but still.
Quote:its been in the British Museum (I assume) for quite a while.......Surely a drawing or more detailed photo must exist by now?
AFAIK it isn't in the B.M. yet and there is extensive conservatory work to do yet. But I would have hoped that there are some more detailed photos/ Drawings by now. Still I live in hope.
Tasciavanous
AKA James McKeand
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#4
Its been a long time coming- but John Conyard flagged this site to me- thanks John.

Painstaking conservation (I won't make the comment.... :roll: ) - looking forward to seeing a reconstructed drawing.

http://www.leics.gov.uk/index/leisure_t ... easure.htm


"The helmet found at the Hallaton shrine was buried with hundreds of coins and pig bones probably around the 50’s AD, a time when the Romans were had already conquered the south east of Britain. It was no ordinary helmet. Decorated in gilt silver, the crown probably boasted stylised hair and on the left cheek piece the figure of an emperor on horseback can clearly be seen trampling a cowering barbarian under the hooves. Over the emperor’s back a winged goddess of victory can just be seen holding a laurel wreath over his head."

http://www.leics.gov.uk/index/leisure_t ... helmet.htm
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aka Paul B, moderator
http://www.romanarmy.net/auxilia.htm
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#5
Interesting to note that one of the coins is outside their suggested time frame - the last one of the 47 displayed on the website is a coin of TRAJAN. I recognized his profile and noted the image of the Column on the reverse.
The helmet looks very interesting. I will definitely be interested in seeing more about the site, the finds and the helmet.
Quinton Johansen
Marcus Quintius Clavus, Optio Secundae Pili Prioris Legionis III Cyrenaicae
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#6
Hmmm - two years to conserve the helmet. I suppose copper-alloy helmets must be much easier to do. :twisted: But no, I'm not a cynical person am I? :roll:

Crispvs
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