A 13-year-old boy playing behind the home found the Ribchester Helmet, an ancient Roman relic

August 27, 2023 256.0K views

Discovered in the summer of 1796 by the son of Joseph Walton who was playing behind his father’s house in Ribchester, Lancashire. Author: Carole Raddato – CC BY-SA 2.0 / Author: Rex Harris – CC BY-SA 2.0

The visor-mask and crown are covered with relief scenes of skirmishes between infantry and cavalry. Such helmets were impractical for actual fighting and were worn by Roman cavalrymen on the occasion of “cavalry sports‟ events. Author: Helen Simonsson – CC BY-SA 2.0

Only three Roman helmets with a covering over the face have been found in the UK. Author: Rex Harris – CC BY-SA 2.0

Since 1814, the original helmet is on display at the British Museum, but the Roman Museum in Ribchester has a replica. Author: Helen Simonsson – CC BY-SA 2.0