A group of archaeologists has recovered an ancient helmet in the waters of Vendicari’s Island (which administratively belongs to the municipality of Noto in the province of Syracuse), in Sicily.
The helmet, located and recovered at about 5 meters depth, is made of metal and was found practically intact; its dating has been estimated by experts to the late medieval period between the 15th and 17th centuries.
The discovery of the artifact was made during a scuba diving conducted by Matteo Azzaro, an honorary inspector for Submerged Cultural Heritage, together with Enzo Morra and Leopoldo Repola, both professors at the University of Naples.
“The sea continues to yield artifacts of great scientific value, useful for reconstructing the various phases of our history,” said Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, assessor for Cultural Heritage of the Sicilian Region, commenting on the discovery of the medieval helmet, which was subsequently handed over to the Maritime Authority.
“Underwater archaeology once again contributes to revealing fascinating episodes of battles and clashes that have marked the historical path of our island,” continued Assessor Francesco Paolo Scarpinato. “The work carried out with great enthusiasm on the territory by honorary inspectors for Submerged Cultural Heritage supports the constant actions of protection and enhancement of the Maritime Authority, which have enriched knowledge in a sector that can still offer much to Sicilians and the entire scientific community.”
The helmet found in the waters of Vendicari is a typical “Cabasset”
The artifact has been identified as a helmet of the cabasset or capacete type (in Spanish and Portuguese, simply translatable as “helmet”).
The helmet features protections composed of a semi-spherical or ogival skull with a more or less inclined head along the entire edge and, in the specific case, a low, undulating upper crest or reinforced by small metal balls.
This type of helmet was widespread among infantry troops during the Middle Ages and was also used by embarked troops.
Further underwater surveys are planned in the discovery area with the aim of clarifying whether it is an isolated find or, possibly, related to the presence of a wreck from the late medieval or modern period.
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