Going under the hammer: a unique Corinthian helmet showcased at a London auction (photos).

A rare Corinthian-style bronze helmet, dated between 500-450 BC, will be auctioned at Apollo Art Auctions in London. This artifact is remarkably well-preserved and stands as a significant testament to ancient military history, writes Live Science.

Known as the Corinthian helmet, this style is characterized by its full-face coverage, leaving only openings for the eyes and mouth. Although the helmet is named after the Greek city-state of Corinth, there is evidence that such helmets were widely used in other regions, particularly in Sparta.

Archaeologist Anthony Snodgrass from the University of Cambridge noted in his work "The Arms and Armor of the Greeks" that Corinthian helmets were popular across various city-states, indicating their broad distribution.

The director of Apollo Art Auctions, Ivan Bonchev, described the artifact as a "rare and exceptionally well-preserved bronze Greek helmet," adding that it offers a glimpse into the exquisite artistry of the ancient world. Despite their rarity today, remnants of similar helmets have been discovered in numerous archaeological digs.

This particular piece, being sold on behalf of a private collector, is expected to fetch between $72,000 and $108,000. According to the auction listing, the helmet has been verified in the Registry of Lost Artworks, ensuring its legitimacy.

Corinthian helmets have a rich history, with origins tracing back to the 7th century BC. According to Snodgrass's study "Early Greek Armor and Weapons," these helmets were continuously refined over the centuries. Many featured decorative crests made of horsehair or geometric patterns, and some bore personalized inscriptions. Greek art often depicted warriors with helmets pushed back during rest — a style also associated with Athena, the patron goddess of Athens.

The design of these helmets, particularly their limited peripheral vision, reflects the close-combat style of hoplites, where warriors fought in tightly formed formations known as phalanxes.

Over time, various helmet variants emerged, with later models incorporating ear openings for improved hearing. The helmet up for auction lacks these modifications but retains the characteristic eye holes, nasal guard, and mouth opening typical of Corinthian design.

Historians note the influence of these helmets beyond Greece. Greek colonies in southern Italy introduced the Corinthian style to the Romans, although Roman military gear evolved over time to suit their specific tactics. Unlike Greek examples, Roman helmets favored an open face for better visibility in dynamic combat scenarios.

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