A millennia-old helmet that saw ancient Rome’s first great Mediterranean war was recently unearthed in Italy.

The find was announced by the Sicilian regional government in a Sept. 5 announcement.

In a translated version of the statement, officials said the helmet was found off the waters of the Aegates Islands last August.

“Among the artifacts brought to the surface, one stands out in particular: a bronze helmet of the ‘Montefortino’ type, in extraordinary condition and complete with cheek guards,” the release noted.

Divers found the helmet near where the Battle of the Aegates took place in 241 B.C.

The battle, which effectively ended the First Punic War, was fought between Rome and Carthage.

Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, regional councilor for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity,

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