AN ANCIENT GREEK BRONZE ILLYRIAN HELMET 600-500 BC (ED.25.186)

This Illyrian bronze helmet, dated to the 6th century BC and classified as Typology II, Variant 2, is raised from a single sheet of bronze and exemplifies the craftsmanship and martial design of the Archaic Illyrian tradition. The helmet features a domed bowl with two parallel, corrugated ridges running longitudinally from back to front, bordered by finely incised lines that add both structural reinforcement and decorative emphasis. A rectangular slot is present on the front face, possibly serving as a functional or stylistic element, while the perimeter of the helmet is bordered with shallow bands flanking rows of punched dots, adding ornamental refinement. The lower section includes short, flaring cheek pieces and a slightly extended neck guard for enhanced protection. A decorative band of concentric circles runs along the entire lower edge, terminating at two perforations likely used to secure a chin strap. This example reflects a balance between utilitarian efficiency and aesthetic detailing, characteristic of Illyrian military equipment of the period, and points to the broader regional interactions and evolving warfare practices in the Mediterranean during the late Archaic era.

Provenance

  • Private Greek Australian collector Elias (Louis) Dounis, acquired December 2025 (ED.25.186).

  • Property of the private UK collection of Rear Admiral Philip Mathias, acquired in 2020.

  • The property of a private London collection, acquired on the art market.

  • Originally part of the Raymonde family collection, formed during the early 1970s.

Exhibitions

  • The Hellenic Museum Australia.

    280 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

    Exhibition; Heroes & Hoplites, Warfare In Ancient Greece, 2019.

    Identifier: L.2026.?.?

Publications

  • D’Amato, R. (2020). “Bronze Illyrian Helmet Sixth-Fifth Century BC” Report.

  • Dounis, C. (2024). “Comprehensive Study: Greek Bronze Illyrian Helmet” Report.

Find Spot

Unknown, possibly Greece or further north, where a number of similar helmets have been excavated. Possibly discovered in a tomb which was customary for the time and would also explains in tack survival over the millenniums.

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