In 1845, near the village of Zvenyhorodka in the Cherkasy oblast of Ukraine, a notable barrow was opened. The barrow was different from the others in the area in that at its base it was encircled by a stone wall more than one meter thick. Such stone walls are sometimes referred to as the cromlech.
In a tomb, a human skeleton, clay vessel, Athenian helmet, and the greaves (shin protective gear) made of Corinthian leather were found. Describing the helmet, the head of the excavations D. Samokvasov wrote:
“The shape of the helmet is the most ancient – Athenian. With such a helmet on her head, the ancients portrayed Minerva [goddess of wisdom]. In the delicacy of metal and work, it can compare to the most perfect example known to us in this area.” (Semenov, P., Zhivopisnaya Rossiya, vol. 5, p. 1, 1897. Page scan is at the end of the article.)
Ancient Greek goddess Athena, associated with wisdom and warfare, was regarded as the patron and protectress of the city of Athens. In art, she is also depicted wearing such a type of helmet.
It must be noted that a Scythian mounted warrior on the famous Solokha gold comb is represented with a very similar helmet on his head (title image). The full composition and some thoughts on the comb can be found in the link below:
Scythian Battle-Scene Golden Comb from Solokha Royal Barrow in Ukraine >
‘Royal Scythia, Greece, Kyiv Rus‘ book takes a closer look at some of the Scythian Royal Barrows discovered in Ukraine including the Solokha one.
