Second Illyrian Helmet Uncovered in Croatia

ZAKOTORAC, CROATIA—Euronews reports that a helmet dated to the fifth or sixth century B.C. has been recovered from a burial mound in southern Croatia’s Peljesac Peninsula. A similar helmet was found in the same area in 2020. The helmets are thought to be associated with the Illyrians, who came from the eastern Adriatic and the Balkans, and deposited at the site as a cult practice long after the dead had been buried, according to archaeologist Hrvoje Potrebica of the University of Zagreb. “These were votive gifts left to pay respect to deities or people buried here,” Potrebica said. “We don’t think that they are related to any specific person buried here because the site contains the remains of dozens of individuals,” he added. Illyrian pins, jewelry, buckles, glass beads, and brooches were also uncovered. This group of Illyrians is thought to have controlled maritime trade routes in the region. They were eventually defeated by invading Romans in the first century B.C. To read about the possible discovery of the lost Illyrian city of Bassania, go to "World Roundup: Albania."