A rare, Roman-era helmet has been discovered in the Mediterranean Sea after it was lost during an ancient sea battle in 241BC.
The artefact was found in an "extraordinary state of preservation" near the Egadi Islands off the northwestern coast of Sicily by divers from the Society of the Documentation of Submerged Sites.
The relic is an almost a complete "Montefortino" helmet, with well-preserved cheek pieces, which was commonly used during the time it was lost.
Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, the regional councillor for cultural heritage, said: "The 'Montefortino' helmet is one of the most beautiful and complete ever recovered."
The relic is an almost a complete 'Montefortino' helmet, with well-preserved cheek pieces
|REGIONE SICILIANA
Having been introduced to the Romans by the Celts, according to historians, this style of helmet remained popular from the fourth century BC until the first century AD.
It is believed the helmet was lost during the battle of Aegades in 241BC, which was part of the first Punic War between Rome and Carthage.
A large bronze handle of "uncertain use" dating back to the fifth century AD was also found at the same marine archaeological site, as well as metal artefacts including swords, spears and javelins.
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The helmet was found near the Egadi Islands of the northwestern coast of Sicily
|GETTY
Mr Scarpinto said: "These finds not only enrich the historical knowledge of the battle of 241BC, but strengthen the image of our Island as the guardian of a unique cultural heritage in the world."
During this battle, historical sources suggest the Roman army was outnumbered by the Carthaginians, however their better training led them to victory.
As a result, Carthage surrendered Sicily and the First Punic War came to an end after more than two decades, and Rome was established as the dominant power in the Western Mediterranean.
The First Punic War was the first of three wars fought between the two powerhouses of the western Mediterranean and unfolded primarily on the island of Sicily and in its surrounding waters.
Lasting 23 years, it was the longest continuous conflict and the greatest naval conflict in ancient history.
The weapons found at the same site ended up on the seabed after a Roman ship was captured by the Carthaginians during the war, according to archaeologists.