archaeologists excavating a burial mound in Croatia have uncovered a 2,500-year-old Illyrian helmet, shedding light on ancient rituals and possibly instilling fear in adversaries. The helmet, discovered upright within a stone structure at the Gomile archaeological site, is believed to have been either a votive offering or part of a ceremonial practice. Dating back to the late sixth or early fourth century B.C., this find offers a fascinating glimpse into the Illyrian civilization.
Situated near the village of Zakotorac on the Pelješac Peninsula, the Gomile site comprises numerous burial mounds, each containing multiple graves. The discovery aligns with historical records indicating the prominence of the Illyrians in the region during this era, prior to their eventual subjugation by the Romans.
While the helmet awaits conservation, it appears remarkably well-preserved. Its placement within a separate stone structure, distinct from the burial graves, suggests a ceremonial significance—perhaps an offering to ancestral spirits or as part of a broader religious ritual. If utilized in warfare, its gleaming presence may have struck fear into the hearts of adversaries, as suggested by Domagoj Perkić of the Archaeological Museum.
This recent find echoes a similar discovery in 2020 of another helmet within a neighboring burial mound. Both instances hint at the ceremonial and symbolic importance of such artifacts in ancient Illyrian society. Coordinated research efforts by the Centre for Prehistoric Research in Zagreb, in collaboration with Dubrovnik Museums and the Institute of Archaeology in Croatia, continue to unravel the mysteries of the Gomile site, providing invaluable insights into the region’s rich history and cultural practices.
