In 1868 Workers Were Dredging River When They Discovered An Incredible 2,000-Year-Old Relic

What did the Thames have in store for the dredgers? In 1868, when authorities decided to dredge River Thames they were in for a pleasant surprise. They were supposed to clean the river so that the commercial ships can easily sail through. Since 1958, the condition of River Thames was so bad that it used to stink like anything. The industrial waste and human stench on the riverbed was soon becoming home to various diseases. Therefore, the authorities felt that they should clean up their act before the causes of stink turn into an epidemic. Thames Conservancy was formed for the river’s upkeep. It took them a decade to start the work of dredging. Mostly the dredged out material was used as weights to stabilize boats. Among the garbage material that was dredged out of the river, one bronze helmet was also discovered that had twp conical horns. The helmet donned two separate metal sheets differentiating the front from the back. La Tene Culture had a particular format of styling and the helmet found in the murky water resembles their style. It is the representative of Iron Age people from 250 to 50 B.C. living in Britain. The helmet weighs 20 ounces and the circumference is around 2 feet. Several sheets have been used to etch out the helmet and it is visible by the design of the helmet. Only the horns have been designed with a single copper alloy sheet that is capped with a terminal stud. Circular fittings on either side suggest that it could have been designed to hold a chinstrap or cheek piece. The helmet was drowned in the water for so long that the bronze metal has turned quite greenish in color. Though the helmet is quite an interesting piece of the history, its delicate nature suggests that it might have been used for decorative purpose. The cap part is too small, making it impossible for any soldier to wear it. Therefore, the experts believe that it might be used on some statue’s head. It is being named the ‘Waterloo Helmet’ and it is only the third helmet that bears resemblance to the Iron Age and has been discovered on the English soil. Other helmets that have been discovered doesn’t have any horns. Several artworks have depicted the use of horn helmets during the Iron Age era just like the Waterloo helmet. Another important discovery was made while dredging and it was that of the Battersea shield. It was also carved out of bronze and carried the La Tene style of designing.