Divers uncover 'extraordinary' military treasure tied to legendary Roman battle

"Among the artifacts brought to the surface, one stands out in particular: a bronze helmet of the 'Montefortino' type, in extraordinary condition and complete with cheek guards," the release noted.

Divers found the helmet near where the Battle of the Aegates took place in 241 B.C.

The battle, which effectively ended the First Punic War, was fought between Rome and Carthage.

Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, regional councilor for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, said the helmet is "one of the most beautiful and complete ever recovered."

He went on, "These discoveries not only enrich historical knowledge of the 241 B.C. battle, but also strengthen the image of our island as the guardian of a cultural heritage unique in the world."

Archaeologists also found 30 "heavily encrusted artifacts." After performing CT scans, archaeologists found that the artifacts were all weapons: swords, lances and javelins.

Officials say those very weapons were used in the Battle of the Aegates.

Excavators also found a bronze ram, once used to crush enemy vessels, bearing the Latin words "Servius Sulpicius, quaestor, son of Gaius, approved." 

Gaius may have referred to Gaius Sulpicius, a consul during the First Punic War.

He added, "We will continue to invest in the protection and promotion of this heritage, aware that it represents a fundamental cultural and identity resource for Sicily."