“Petasos” helmet

The archaelogical find was part of the Archaeological Exhibition “Chaeronea, August 2, 338 BC. A day that changed the world” hosted at the Museum of Cycladic Art (Athens , 2023-2024).

The helmet tries to mimic a wide-brimmed straw hat that, according to the available archaeological evidence, was originally used in Thessaly.In other words is a metal version of a hat.

It was fabricated by a 50 cm circular sheet of copper alloy by traditional techniques. The downward deformities left and right of the head are nothing more than the natural deformation of the straw hat by the strings securing it to the wearer’s head. The inner side of the dome has been covered with  lined fabric and wool.Also, the inner side of the rim has been covered with leather,as well as  a red leather has been stitched directly to the rim of the helmet thought numerous holes.

The original archaeological find does not have any trace of cheek guards. In this very  version of Dimitrios, leather guards have been adapted for a better fixation on the wearer’s head. These helmets were usually worn by the cavalry. An excellent example of Ancient Greek metalwork, with high aesthetics.