The Vikings, history’s seafaring explorers from Scandinavia, are often shown wearing horned helmets—though many experts say they never did.

Now there’s evidence to show who actually wore the headgear. Experts have been studying two bronze helmets found in Denmark in 1942. The helmets are decorated with bull-like horns. 

After examining bits of tree bark on one of the horns, researchers recently determined that the helmets originated in the Nordic Bronze Age (1750 B.C. to 500 B.C.). That’s several centuries before the Vikings dominated the region.

Despite the helmets’ fierce look, Nordic Bronze Age rulers probably never donned them in battle. They were likely worn as symbols of authority.