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Thracian gladiator’s helmet

November 26, 2025 - By Sidemplam

Attribution:

Key Dates

This helmet was probably used in processions at the gladiatorial games at Pompeii, and was made shortly before the destruction of the city by Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD. The shape of the visor is typical of the period. It was given by Ferdinand IV of Naples to Napoleon, then First Consul, in 1802, and was transferred to the Louvre in 1892.

This gladiator’s helmet is made of bronze, decorated with embossing and with silver-plating; it shows a griffin on the crest, and a Gorgon’s head on the front of the helm. It has a grille, rather than separate eye openings, and two feather-holders have been added on each side of the helmet for additional display. The highly protective nature of this helmet, which wraps around the whole head, shows it to have been of the type usually used by the ‘Thracian’ gladiators as well as Gaulish fighters. The face and neck of the gladiator were protected by a movable visor, and a broad brim would have deflected any vertical blow to the head.

Origin & Collection

Discovered at:

Pompeii

On display at:

The Louvre

Additional information on display location:

not currently on display

Reference Number:

Br 1108

Physical properties

Height:

38.00cm

Materials:

Bronze

Materials:

Silver