Tell ʾUmm Ḥōrān: the Gorgon and the Battle Scene

 

The topmost part of this helmet is occupied by the head of a gorgon. The front is dominated by an eagle stretching its wings and holding a crown in its claws. The bird dominates a sacrificial scene. The back features a battle between Romans and Parthians. The artist's name, Mactorius Barbarus, is inscribed on the right temple. 

Era: Roman.
Substance: bronze.
Height: 24-25 cm.
Text: adapted from Abdul-Hak (p. 22; English translation by George Haddad)
Collection: National Museum of Damascus. 

Sélim Abdul-Hak. The Treasures of the National Museum of Damascus. Publication of the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM) 1959. 

The Treasures of the National Museum of Damascus: Tell Um Hauran

Tell ʾUmm Ḥōrān: scène de combat