In the ancient past, bronze helmets were highly valued objects. For this reason, they are seldom found at Bronze and Early Iron Age sites in the steppe belt of Eurasia. In the 1990s, three bronze helmets of similar construction were found in Mongolia, two of which are associated with the slab grave culture. Another helmet has recently been found at Hitruun Mount (Central Mongolia). This helmet differs structurally from other helmets that have previously been found in Mongolia and the Trans-Baikal region. It has a spherical dome topped with a loop, two oval frontal notches with a nose-protecting piece between them, and holes for attaching an aventail (barmitsa) or a liner along the lower edge. The helmet resembles the protective headgear worn by the Scythians, the Saka, and the ancient nomads of Southern Manchuria. Research into this recent fi nd has made it possible to elaborate on the chronology, cultural attribution, and typology of metal helmets used by various ethnic nomadic groups of the Bronze and Early Iron Age in Central Asia. Bronze helmets began to be produced among early Central Asian nomads in response to the use of more effi cient manto- man weapons such as battleaxes and picks.
Keywords: Mongolia, eastern Trans-Baikal region, Central Asia, ancient nomads, culture of khereksurs and deer-stones,
slab graves, defensive armor, bronze helmets.
