Ancient Iran helmet worn by a warrior king bears gold gods, and a swooping bird of prey

Ancient Iran helmet worn by a warrior king bears gold gods, and a swooping bird of prey

A bronze helmet from ancient Iran is giving researchers an unusually vivid glimpse into how warfare, power, and religion overlapped during the Bronze Age. More than simple protection, the artifact appears to have been created to convey rank and symbolism in combat through its gold-covered figures and striking bird-of-prey imagery. What happened? According to Live Science, the artifact is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection an…