Archaeologists find ‘exceptionally rare’ Roman helmet in Denmark

In a breakthrough discovery at Løsning Søndermark, an Iron Age settlement in Denmark, archaeologists have unearthed fragments of an “exceptionally rare” Roman-era helmet alongside around 100 weapons.

This significant find, believed to have been buried as part of an ancient ritual offering, has provided valuable insights into the practices of the time.

The artefacts, which include the remains of a Roman helmet and an array of weapons, such as swords, spearheads, lances, and chainmail, were discovered in the postholes of two houses, sparking excitement within the archaeological community. The revelation marks the first-ever find of a Roman helmet in Denmark, with the site outside the borders of the Roman Empire.

Researchers initially found two iron plates about the size of a palm, with origins that were unclear. However, after using X-ray imaging, they confirmed that the plates were, in fact, the remains of a Roman helmet worn during the 4th century. These metal fragments are believed to have formed the cheek and neck plating portions of the helmet, a style that had previously been observed only in southern Sweden.

The excavation team also uncovered chainmail, which they called “particularly remarkable” as it’s the first time such a find has been associated with a settlement rather than a burial site. Additionally, two bronze neck rings were unearthed, likely belonging to a chieftain and further reinforcing the idea that these items belonged to a warrior elite.

The collection of spears, swords, and lances suggests the weapons were likely buried after a battle, either as a ceremonial or ritual offering, possibly linked to the destruction or construction of the houses in which they were found.

Researchers believe the hoard of weapons may have been intended to honour the chieftain’s home or as part of a ritual to mark an important event, such as being buried after a battle as a ritual offering,  The site at Løsning Søndermark, discovered during the expansion of the E45 motorway, has already yielded a wealth of military weaponry.

This find opens up fascinating possibilities about the practices and beliefs of the time, providing clues about the ritualistic use of military equipment.

The team is now working to piece together further information about the site, with additional excavations expected to shed more light on the discovery.

“Ongoing excavation work and subsequent analysis of the materials will hopefully reveal whether the equipment belonged to local warriors or if it represents spoils of war from a defeated enemy,” researchers said.