Negau helmets

Museum f%C3%BCr Vor- und Fr%C3%BChgeschichte Berlin 010

Negau helmets refer to a distinctive type of ancient helmets dating from the Iron Age, specifically around the 4th to the 1st century BC. These helmets are primarily known from a find in Negau (now Negova, Slovenia), where they were discovered in 1811. The Negau helmets are significant for their historical, cultural, and linguistic implications, particularly within the study of ancient European societies.

Description

Negau helmets are made of bronze and are characterized by their conical shape, with a knob at the apex and a flared edge at the base. They often feature decorative elements, including engraved or embossed designs. The helmets are believed to have been used not only for combat but also for ceremonial purposes, as indicated by their elaborate decoration and the contexts in which they have been found.

Discovery

The most famous discovery of Negau helmets occurred in 1811 in the village of Negau in what is now Slovenia. A total of about 26 helmets were found in a cache, suggesting they were deliberately buried. The helmets are named after this site, although similar helmets have been found in other parts of Europe, indicating a wider distribution and use.

Historical Context

The Negau helmets are associated with the Hallstatt culture, an Iron Age culture in Central Europe, and later with the La Tène culture, which succeeded the Hallstatt culture. These cultures are known for their advancements in metalworking, among other achievements. The helmets' inscriptions have provided valuable insights into the early use of the Etruscan alphabet and the Celtic languages, offering a glimpse into the linguistic landscape of Iron Age Europe.

Inscriptions

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Negau helmets is the presence of inscriptions on some of them. These inscriptions are among the oldest known examples of writing in the Etruscan and possibly early Celtic languages. The most famous of these inscriptions reads "Harigastiteiva," which has been interpreted in various ways but is generally believed to be a name or title in the Etruscan language.

Significance

The Negau helmets are of great archaeological and historical interest. They provide evidence of the cultural and economic connections between different regions of Europe in the Iron Age, as well as insights into the development of early European languages and scripts. The helmets also offer valuable information about the military and ceremonial practices of the time.

See Also

• Iron Age Europe
• Hallstatt culture
• La Tène culture
• Etruscan civilization
• Celtic languages