Deep-sea divers uncover 2,200-year-old Roman artefacts near Sicily

• Deep-sea divers have recovered a rare Roman-era helmet in an "extraordinary state of preservation" at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea, near the Egadi Islands.
• The "Montefortino" type helmet is believed to have been lost during the Battle of the Aegades in 241 BC.
• The battle was a pivotal naval engagement of the First Punic War between Rome and Carthage.
• The better-trained Romans defeated the Carthaginians, led to Carthage surrendering Sicily and establishing Rome as the dominant power in the Western Mediterranean.
• Researchers also uncovered a large bronze handle and performed CT scans on other metal artefacts, including weapons like swords and spears used in the 241 BC battle, from the same site.

IN FULL

‘Extraordinary’ Roman helmet from scene of ancient sea battle unearthed in Mediterranean