The Archaeological Museum of Olympia holds a collection of Corinthian helmets, dating back to the 7th - 6th centuries B.C. These artifacts, derived from the Corinthian city-state, are cast from bronze, a testament to the advanced bronze-working techniques employed during that era. They are recognized for their full-coverage design and lack of decorative embellishments, indicating a Corinthian emphasis on function over aesthetics.
The helmets encompass the wearer's entire head and neck. Features include eye and mouth slits and an extended, integrated neck guard, implying comprehensive physical protection. The form-fitting design, including flared side pieces covering the cheeks and a molded band over the brow morphing into a nose guard, suggests the primary use in infantry warfare where close-quarter combat was common.
The helmets feature a distinct horizontal ridge extending from the front to the back, implying a possible fixture point for a horsehair crest, a common element in Greek military regalia. The function of this crest could have been decorative or to create an illusion of increased height, though this remains speculative due to the absence of any discovered Corinthian helmet with an intact plume.
The aging process has endowed these helmets with a consistent green patina. Despite visible signs of usage and age-related wear, they remain in good condition. Some helmets display signs of more aggressive use, potentially indicating their involvement in combat scenarios.
