Helmets and Heads

A battle helmet is, as we can imagine, a type of armor designed to protect the head. It was an essential item for a soldier and was worn even on occasions when other parts of their armor were not being used. The reason is obvious: a simple blow to the head could be enough to cause immediate death. So even the poorest soldiers, who could not afford other parts of armor, always tried to have at least a helmet to protect their head.

Types of Helmets

Greek Helmets

Greek helmets typically protected only the top of the head and part of the face, leaving the neck exposed. However, later versions did cover the head and neck as well.

Roman Helmets

Roman helmets usually featured plumes and earflaps, although versions without these parts existed. Some types of Roman helmets, such as those of gladiators, included nasal protection and could even have masks.

Viking Helmets

We usually imagine Viking helmets with horns, but this is a historical inaccuracy originating in Romanticism during the 19th century, when a Swedish painter decided to illustrate these warriors with the famous horned helmets, with the intention of demonizing them. Viking helmets did not have this striking part for a very simple reason: they would be so uncomfortable as to be impractical. Vikings, as great warriors, knew well the value of comfort during combat. Their helmets usually had nasal protection, a visor, and sometimes earflaps.

Medieval Helmets

The Middle Ages is probably the era in which we find the greatest variety of helmets. In general, we can say that most of them covered both the entire head and the neck, leaving only tiny openings for the eyes and mouth, which sometimes greatly limited not only ventilation but also vision.

Medieval helmets varied in design and style depending on the era, region, and purpose for which they were used. However, in general, medieval helmets were characterized by being durable, protective, and effective.

Some of the most common designs of medieval helmets include:

• Nasal helmet: This type of helmet had a metal nose guard that protected the warrior's face, and was often decorated with crests, feathers, and other adornments.

• Closed helmet: This type of helmet completely covered the warrior's head and face, with openings for the eyes, nose, and mouth. It was heavy and offered excellent protection.

• Conical helmet: This medieval helmet had a conical shape and was mainly used in the early period of the Middle Ages. It often had a crest or adornment on top.

• Ring helmet: This type of helmet was made of metal rings and covered the warrior's head and neck. It was very flexible and allowed for a wide range of motion.

• Chainmail helmet: This helmet was made entirely of chainmail and covered the warrior's entire head and neck. It offered excellent protection against blows and cuts, but was quite heavy.

These are just a few examples of the many designs of medieval helmets that existed. Each had its own unique characteristics and was used in different combat situations, depending on the warrior's personal preferences and the tactical needs of the time.

Conquistador Helmets

These helmets usually covered only the top of the head, since due to the heat and humidity characteristic of the territories they moved through, i.e., the New World, it was exhausting to wear a helmet with full head and neck protection.

Asian Helmets

This type of helmet, also known as a kabuto, with its spectacular shape, protected the entire head without exception, and also the soldier's neck, throat, and face. The Kabuto was made of steel or leather plates riveted together.

In this category, we offer you the chance to discover the curious world of ancient helmets, perfect for a faithful recreation of a historical event or a film. Roman helmets, Greek helmets, medieval and Viking helmets await you here.