A rare Corinthian helmet from ancient Greece will be auctioned in London: it is in excellent condition. Photo

A rare Corinthian helmet from Ancient Greece, dating back to 500-450 BC, will be auctioned in London this month. The rare artifact will be sold at a price ranging from $72,000 to $108,000.

Apollo Art Auctions, which is putting the helmet up for auction, said it is in excellent condition and made of bronze. Such helmets were a symbol of the ancient Greek style of infantry fighting and became emblems of the ancient world, LiveScience writes.

According to experts, helmets that cover most of the face, leaving only a gap for the eyes and mouth, are called Corinthian helmets – in honor of the ancient Greek city-state of Corinth.

The city was known for both its culture and its warfare, but there is no clear evidence that this style of armor was developed in Corinth. Cambridge University archaeologist Anthony Snodgrass wrote in his work "Arms and Armor of the Greeks" that such helmets were used by warriors from many other ancient Greek city-states, including Sparta.

Well-preserved Corinthian helmets are rare, experts say. "This is a rare and well-preserved bronze Greek helmet, probably associated with a Spartan warrior, which provides a glimpse into the art and craftsmanship of ancient Greece," said Ivan Bonchev, director of Apollo Art Auctions.

According to the auction website, the bronze helmet will be sold on behalf of a private collector for between $72,000 and $108,000. The Art Loss Register confirmed that it was not stolen.

According to experts, Corinthian helmets had a long history in Greek warfare. Many of them were decorated with horsehair coats of arms, and some were inscribed or painted with geometric symbols.

Researchers say that later versions of Corinthian helmets had ear holes on both sides so that warriors wearing them could hear better. The helmet, which is being sold in London this month, does not have such ear holes, but it has characteristic holes for the eyes, nose and a slit for the mouth.

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