A GREEK CORINTHIAN HELMET ACCIDENTALLY DISCOVERED IN IAȘI COUNTY, ROMANIA1

Abstract

In 2014, a citizen from the Alexandru Ioan Cuza village, discovered in the waters of the Siret River a Corinthian type Greek helmet. Without realising the importance of the discovery, he took the helmet home. Although he did not appear to have any knowledge of the value of the object, the discoverer allowed an acquaintance to photograph and post the images on a social network. These photos started a judicial investigation that led to the identification of the author of the discovery and the recovery of the helmet, six years later. The artifact was recovered and included in the national cultural heritage, by submitting it in the custody of the National Museum Complex "Moldova", Iasi. The helmet is made of bronze, in the composition of which traces of lead (Pb) and iron (Fe) have been identified. It also displays traces of gilding. It is whole, but it has many marks and bends, some due to its engagement by the waters of the river, others as a result of blows with a hard body. The general condition is good.