Fragments of a rare Roman-era helmet and a trove of weapons were found by archaeologists at Løsning Søndermark, Denmark.
In the postholes of two houses, researchers first discovered two iron plates the size of a palm. They then used X-ray technology to confirm that the plates were the remains of a Roman helmet, which is the only one found in Denmark so far.
These metal fragments, they believe, once formed the cheek and neck plating of a Roman helmet from the 4th century. Until now, these elements have only ever been found in southern Sweden.
Around 100 spearheads, swords, lances, and chainmail were also found at the site as part of a 1,600-year-old weapon offering. Until this point, chainmail has only been unearthed from burial sites.
The fragments of two distinct bronze neck rings, thought to belong to a chieftain, were also identified.
The weaponry would have been used by an elite warrior. Researchers believe the weapons were buried after a battle for ceremonial or ritual purposes in connection to the chieftain’s residence.
Further study and excavations are needed to determine more information on what happened at the site.
Løsning Søndermark is an Iron Age settlement that was uncovered during the expansion of the E45 motorway in Denmark. So far, the site has yielded elite housing and various military weaponry.
