"A unique medieval helmet and chain mail shirt have been discovered in the historic fortress of Rustavi, central Georgia. The helmet and mail shirt date to the 9th or 10th centuries, and the helmet is the only one from this period ever discovered in Transcaucasia. Located about 15 miles southeast of Tbilisi, Rustavi was one of the earliest cities of the Georgian kingdom of Iveria, aka Caucasian Iberia. The fortress was built on a hill overlooking the Kura River starting in the 5th century."
"The helmet and chainmail shirt were discovered close to each other in Room VI of the fortress. Numerous glazed pottery pots, jugs, pitchers and bowls were also found in the intensive excavation of Room VI. Experts suggest the armour may have belonged to an elite soldier or commander stationed at Rustavi. The iron helmet, featuring a detachable muzzle plate, reflects advanced craftsmanship and design possibly influenced by Byzantine or Persian models."
A unique 9th–10th century iron helmet with detachable muzzle and a chain-mail shirt were excavated in Room VI of Rustavi fortress, central Georgia, about 15 miles southeast of Tbilisi. The helmet is the only example from this period found in Transcaucasia. The fortress dates to the 5th century and shows multiple medieval rebuilding phases and evidence of fire and battle. Glazed pottery and other artifacts accompanied the armour. Metallurgical analysis is underway; early observations suggest local production and high technical skill comparable to Byzantine or Persian counterparts. The find fills a major gap in Caucasus medieval military material culture.
Read at www.thehistoryblog.com
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