Some of the Roman Empire’s most stunning objects are being brought together under one roof as Carlisle's Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery celebrates the 1,900th anniversary of Hadrian’s Wall.
How Old is the Ribchester Helmet?
The Ribchester Helmet has been dated to between the late 1
st and early 2
nd centuries AD. Although a Roman cavalryman used the helmet, it is clear that it was not meant to be worn in actual combat. This is due to the helmet’s fine workmanship and rich ornamentation, which would have made it impractical on the field of battle. The Ribchester Helmet was made using copper alloy and consists of a cavalry helmet with a visor in the form of a human face. The helmet is decorated with reliefs depicting a skirmish between infantry and cavalry. It is believed that there was a sphinx attached to the top of the helmet, though this had been lost prior the object’s discovery.