Evidence for Samnite daily life and political structures is severely lacking. Evidence on Samnite warfare, however, particularly the characteristics of Samnite warriors, is much more plentiful. Consequently, we can conduct a detailed analysis of who the Samnite warrior was and what purpose he served on the battlefield. Details within some pieces of evidence often seem to clash with those of other examples, but this issue can be mitigated by cross-examining all the available evidence.
While the body of archaeological evidence from Samnium is vast, there are few examples of iconographic material. Moreover, much of what has been collected over the years has not been published, and is often not on display, such as many Campanian frescoes from the sixth and fifth centuries BC, which are now held in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
The Capua fresco
A fresco (p.48) found at Capua showing a Samnite warrior is of exceptional detail despite extensive damage. The standout characteristics are the warrior’s equipment, which the artist focused on to indicate the warrior’s status; something commonly found in other examples commissioned by elites. A double-feathered helmet which protects the top and sides of the warrior’s face is prominently displayed. This helmet is unique: the double-feathered style is striking and differs from traditional Roman, Greek, and Italic helmet adornments seen in other iconographic and archaeological material. This strongly suggests it was a status symbol attributed to and used almost exclusively
