The Hawkedon helmet - and the gladiatorial ethos it represented - was almost certainly worn by a leading 1st century gladiator who would have been watched by senior members of the empire's elite.

It's all thanks to a local conservator who restored it. A "Secutor" gladiator helmet that comes from Pompeii is now part of more than 180 artifacts on display at the "Pompeii: The Exhibition." ...

Imagine wearing a cast iron 25-pound helmet with only tiny eye holes. That’s what a Secutor gladiator wore during battles in Rome. Guests can see an authentic ancient helmet at the Carnegie ...

Check it out: Using Maximus' iconic gladiator helmet for the popcorn bucket is just awesome. It's an instantly recognizable component to the movie and even 24 years later still looks so cool.