An archaeologist in Romania has discovered a unique ancient Roman parade mask. Roman-era masks are rare, making this a unique find. So far, only bronze Roman masks have been discovered in the country.
Using a metal detector, Betej Gabriele unearthed the ancient Roman mask in Albele, a common site in Gorj County. The iron mask belonged most likely to a Roman soldier stationed in the region. Archaeologist Gheorghe Calotoiu states that Roman soldiers used such masks in various combat exercises or celebrations. He added that Roman soldiers wore such masks and helmets during the parades in which they participated.
Credit: Gorj County Museum
“It is a Roman ritual mask, which roughly dates back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries after Christ,” Dumitru Hortopan, director of the Gorj County Museum, told the Romanian Post.
In the same area, scientists have previously unearthed a Roman helmet, weapons, coins, pottery, and vessels of a different kind. There is solid evidence of ancient Roman presence here. The findings were made not far from the Roman fort at Bumbești-Jiu, where an inscription dedicated to the Roman emperor Caracalla was discovered.
Systematic archaeological research carried out in 2002 inside the castle led to the discovery of an imperial Roman treasure consisting of 92 silver coins, covering a period of almost 50 years.
The mask from Albele is now at the Gorj County Museum but will be sent to the “Vasile Pârvan” Institute of Archaeology in Bucharest to be restored. After the restoration, the unique object will be displayed at the museum in Târgu Jiu.