Tell ʾum Ḥōrān

Two 24-25 cm bronze helmets from the beginning of the second century C.E. were illicitly dug at the site of Tell ʾum Ḥōrān (Darʿā Governorate, north of Nawā) back in 1955. They were promptly seized by the General Directory of Antiquities and Museums to be transferred to the National Museum of Damascus, where they've resided ever since. Further excavations—this time legally and professionally—have subsequently taken place and yielded a substantial number of valuable artifacts. 

Seen at the center of the first helmet is a Roman warrior surrounded on both sides with an eagle, a symbol of the solar god. Posteriorly on the lateral view are two identical groups representing horses pulling a chariot on their way to heaven. The mask itself is that of a bearded face. 

The second helmet has a gorgon occupying its summit. Below is an eagle dominating a sacrificial scene with its stretched wings. The occipital cover features a battle between the Romans and the Parthians. Finally, the artist—a certain Mactorius Barbarus—was kind enough to leave his name inscribed on the right temple.