A Roman Legionary Helmet found in Poland

Abstract

The excavations of the Late La Tène, Early Roman cemetery (1st century B.C./2nd-3rd centuries A.D.), carried out by the author at Siemiechow on the Warta river in July 1982 revealed a grave (designated by No. 25) whose inventory has caused a real sensation. Most of the 39 cremation graves so far uncovered on site 2 at Siemiechow were richly furnished with weapons showing Celtic influences and with pottery indicating contacts between the Warta lands and the territories occupied by the Germanic Marcomanni. Bronze brooches are probably derived from the Roman province Noricum. A miniature representation of an iron shield is a unique find. The shield though of Celtic origin is dated by a fragmentary comb of rudimentary construction to the 2nd century A.D. Attention is also claimed by a set of miniature tools and various articles dated to the early 1st century A.D.