POP MECH: How Sicily became Rome's first overseas province

The helmet likely originated from the Battle of the Aegadian Islands that took place in 241 B.C. during the First Punic War. 

That battle, which was a major naval confrontation fought between Carthage and Rome for control of the western Mediterranean, ultimately ended the war, which left Sicily as Rome’s first overseas province.

Divers Discovered a 2,200-Year-Old Helmet from the War That Changed the Course of Roman History 

 

It was remarkably preserved.

By Tim NewcombPublished: Sep 16, 2025 8:30 AM EDT

 

Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:

• Underwater recovery off the Aegadian Islands in Sicily uncovered a Montefortino-style Roman war helmet.
• The helmet was likely part of the First Punic War from 241 B.C.
• Experts call the helmet one of the most well preserved ever found.

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The First Punic War raged during 241 B.C. for control of Sicily, leaving the weapons and armor of fallen soldiers strewn across battlefields and lost to time—unless they’re rediscovered centuries later. One such object is a recently discovered—and strikingly well-preserved—Roman helmet found by divers underwater off the Aegadian Islands. Experts are calling it one of the finest Montefortino-style helmets ever found.

Deep-sea divers from the Society for the Documentation of Submerged Sites, working with Sicily’s Superintendency of the Sea, discovered the bronze helmet—this one complete with cheekpieces, an extremely rare occurrence—according to a translated statement from the Sicily government.