Roman Helmets Were Designed for Protection and Symbolism
The Roman Empire's geographic reach and longevity are partially a product of its military might.
The professional class of soldiers was disciplined, skilled, and committed to the empire.
While foresight and strategy played a significant role in military successes on the battlefield, Roman ingenuity ensured the arms and equipment gave soldiers an edge.
The Roman legions, especially during the Imperial period, were particularly well-armored, enabling them to enter combat confidently and lowering the mortality rate of the soldiers in action. Helmets were a key factor in the soldiers' ability to function at the highest level.
As well as soldiers, gladiators also wore different types of helmets when fighting in an arena such as the Colosseum.
Beyond their obvious role in protection, helmets also had symbolic significance.
Military Helmets
In the days of the Roman Kingdom and early Republican period, the provision of weapons and armor tended to be a rather haphazard affair.
In many cases, particularly in those early years of the fledgling Roman empire, soldiers had to provide their own equipment, using whatever they could find to protect themselves or fashion into a weapon.
However, after the reforms of Marius in 107 BC, soldiers were issued with standard equipment by the state, which included a galea, or helmet.
As with many facets of Roman life, the helmet evolved as Rome adapted the technology of conquered foes, refined it for their use, and mass-produced them widely. Due to the sprawling nature of the Empire at its peak, helmet production had to be an efficient and mobile process.
Helmets were vital for the infantry. Craftsmen had to balance protection with wearability and mobility, while also allowing a soldier to see. Helmets were made from different metals throughout the Empire based on available resources in the region and changing notions of form and function.
Montefortino
The Romans military's initial helmet, the Montefortino, was in use from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD. As with many aspects of the Roman Kingdom, its design was taken from the Etruscans, who themselves adopted helmets from the Celts.
Montefortino helmets were made from bronze or iron. They were a rounded shape with a raised knob on the helmet's crown. These types of helmets featured neck guards and face plates, which covered the cheeks. Archeologists speculate the cheek guards were made from organic material.
The name of the helmet was given by archeologists based on the site the helmets were first uncovered; the actual Roman name is, unfortunately, lost to antiquity. The Montefortino was often stylized with rope-like etching around the rim and a pinecone-shaped pattern on the knob.
Coolus and Agen
Historians consider the Coolus and Agen helmet styles the first Roman design, although they were still heavily influenced by Celtic traditions. They were in use from approximately 100 BC to 100 AD.
Rather than the conically shaped earlier helmets, the Coolus and Agen were more globular, with a flattened top.
Archeologists believe they likely featured a chin strap because of the two holes present on either side of the helmet. They had a narrow brim with neck and cheek guards that were typically adorned with basic embossing or ribbing.
Researchers believe the ribbing also strengthened the helmet. These helmets were the first to feature embossed eyebrows, a staple of all Roman helmets going forward.
The Imperial Gallic and Italic Helmets
The signature helmet of the Roman era, the Imperial helmet is named for Caesar's Gallic Wars. With the victory, Gaul and the Celtic people came under Roman influence. The Empire then utilized their armorers, the premier craftsman of the era.
At this point, iron helmets became standard for all Roman soldiers. Imperial helmets were used from 100 AD through to the late 3rd century AD.
The Imperial Gallic style evolved from the Agen, featuring a rounded bowl, flattened top, and straight sides. The cheek guards were iron. The embossed neck guard increased rigidity and strengthened the helmet.
These helmets featured a twist-on holder for a crest. Iron bars riveted across the crown reinforced the structure, providing optimal protection against blows and projectiles.
Ridge Type Helmets
Helmet design underwent its most significant shift at the end of the 3rd century AD.
The Intercisa ridge-type helmets supplanted Celtic-influenced designs because economic and political power shifted to the eastern part of the Empire.
The new helmets were Persian-influenced and gained wide acceptance because government-run factories mass-produced the new design rapidly and effectively.
Ridge-type helmets were in use from the 4th century AD through to the early 5th century AD.
The ridge helmets featured a composite design and a two-part bowl that attached the two halves using an elevated ridge that ran from front to back. The attachable neck and cheek guards had points to affix linings.
The Berkasovo was a heavy ridge-type helmet with a more intricate design flourish than the Intercisa. The helmets were iron and covered in a second metal. Scholars propose the Berkasovo were for the cavalry and officers because of their increased level of protection.
The Spangenhelm consisted of four to six plates riveted together with bands assembled around a disc riveted to the crown. The helmet had an attached brow and a T-shaped nose guard. The neck and cheek guards were hinged, allowing quicker donning of the helmet.
The Spangenhelm was adopted across modern-day Europe and Asia, surviving the fall of the Empire.
The Praetorian Helmet
The elite Praetorian Guard spanned the Republic and Imperial ages, first serving as bodyguards and spies for political officials. They later served as the Emperor's security detail.
The helmet design mirrored its respective era. However, they were much more ornate, with detailed embossing and etching.
The Praetorian galea featured a tall plume, typically made of horsehair dyed red, that ran along the middle ridge of the helmet.
During actual combat, they may have used more functional and heavier-duty helmets.
Gladiator Helmets
While most gladiators wore helmets, their design was more specialized than military helmets based on what role the gladiator served. In addition, the helmets were also more stylized, owing to the entertainment aspect of the sport.
Secutor
A retiarius was a lightly armored gladiator who fought the heavily armored secutor.
In the match, the retiarius chased the secutor in a game simulating a fisherman pursuing a fish. The secutor wore a helmet while their foes fought with a trident and net.
The secutor helmets were shaped like fish heads to add to the theatrics of the match. The helmet had a full face covering with small eye openings designed to shield the gladiator from thrusting attacks. However, the gladiator sacrificed visibility for protection, making it harder to evade the retiarius.
Thracian Helmet
The Thracian helmet was a heavy and ornate helmet that included a full face shield. They were for gladiators who fought in heavy-combat matches.
The helmets typically had attachment points on the top and sides to affix plumes and feathers. They were typically bronze and often embossed with animals or mythical creatures.
The full-face shields of the combat helmets had multiple holes to make breathing easier for the gladiator and provide a better field of vision.
Recommended Book:
Legions of Rome: The Definitive History of Every Imperial Roman Legion
by Stephen Dando-Collins
Featuring more than 150 maps, photographs, diagrams and battle plans, Legions of Rome is an essential read for ancient history enthusiasts, military history experts and general readers alike.