Models: Imperial Roman Helmets

[wowgetoffyourcellphone]

Here we can discuss what helmets the Principate Romans should have. Lion's posts can go here too.

[Lion.Kanzen]

yeah I was request help to Feneur... I have full of open pages.

an image for the first post

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Detailed info about helmets seen into the Trajan Column

exemple.

Introduction.

how accurately Roman arms and armour were portrayed in classical sculpture? There has been a lot of debate in particular over the helmets worn by legionaries.

A lot of armchair-critics and historians often scoff at the idea of using stylised sculpture such as reference for Roman equipment. However, they seem to forget that Rome, as a militaristic imperial power, would have had soldiers present everywhere, and so artists would certainly have had an idea about legionary armour based on what they had seen. For example, historians used Trajan's column and the column of Aurelius, and said that the helmets depicted with the rigs on the bowl didn't exist. However, there is a genuine helmet of that style in a museum in Hamburg:

the helmets miles and auxilia used in the dacian wars were of "weisenauer type

at other war monuments (that were most probably built by legionnaires that were in actual service in dacia and moesia) the armour of the roman soldiers conforms with archaeological finds.

i.e. the legionnaires wear mostly lorica hamata, squamata and plumata. also their helmets have no rings, different cheek protectors! and the 4 dacian falx types are correct too.

under editing...

. More likely, the Italic D was the product of a single workshop producing a more decorative type for soldiers who might wish to shell out a bit more for splashy headgear. Since the Italic D has integral brass cross-braces placed flat against the skull, providing a double-thickness of metal at a critical point, it is tempting to speculate that the superior performance of this type versus the Dacian falx is what led to the decision to retrofit cross bracing to all helmets in the Dacian theatre

read this can be nice for a Technology idea

Imperial Gallic helmets, which Robinson believed were the products of Celtic craftsmen in Gaul, featured a pair of distinctive embossed eyebrows on the forehead region and tended to be carefully made and elaborately decorated. Imperial Italic helmets, which Robinson saw as the product of less-skilled copycats in Italy and elsewhere in the Empire, lacked the eyebrows and were somewhat more roughly made. The differences in decoration and workmanship tended to diminish as time went on; the last two Italic types classified by Robinson, the Hebron (Italic G) and Neidermorter (Italic H) helmets, were as carefully crafted and well-decorated as any Imperial Gallic helmet.

The Roman combat experience in Dacia under Domitian (AD 81-96) and Trajan (AD 98-117) produced further developments in helmet design. The ability of the wicked Dacian falx, a two-handed sickle-like sword, to reach over the Roman shield wall and pierce a helmet like a can-opener forced the Romans to come up with countermeasures in the form of two iron bars riveted crosswise across the helmet scull (alternatively, two thick bronze strips might be riveted to the top of a bronze legionary or auxiliary helmet). This started as a field modification, as seen on several Imperial Gallic helmets with the crossbars hastily riveted right over the decorative eyebrows. An illustration by Peter Connolly, seen above right, depicts this type of modification to an Imperial Gallic H helmet. Crossbars are seen on some, though not all of the legionary helmets on Trajan’s Column.

Imperial Italic G

The original example of this distinctive helmet was found in a cave near Hebron, Israel, and was thought to be captured war booty of the Jewish Zealots of the Bar Kochba Revolt during the reign of Hadrian, ca. AD 133-135. Consequently, it is the one helmet that can be convincingly dated to the period covered by Legio VI Victrix and is the preferred helmet of our legion. The Imperial Italic G represents the earliest Roman helmet discovered in which the post-Dacian Wars crossbars were probably part of the original construction, as evidenced by the brass lunate decorations applied between the crossbars. Finally, this is probably the most accurate helmet made by the Deepeeka group in India

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Imperial Gallic G (The Classic ;D )

Robinson considered this the “typical mid-first century legionary helmet” (although the Coolus was probably more common) and it seems to have continued in use on into the early second century AD. The best example was found in the Rhine River at Mainz-Weisenau and is now exhibited in Worms, Germany. Helmets of this style can definitely be dated to the Boudican revolt of AD 61 based on fragments found in rubbish pits at Colchester (now reassembled and displayed at the Colchester Castle Museum). The carrying handle seen on the Weisenau original (and our reproduction)

Imperial Gallic I

see the glass effect , may be this one is more cheaper. may be other technology

This helmet dates to the same period as the Imperial Gallic H, and is essentially the same design, but is made in the cupric alloy “orichalcum” (brass) instead of iron. Like several other helmets, the original was found in the Rhine River at Mainz, and the original of this particular helmet bears the inscription of a soldier named L. Lucretius Celeris of Legio I Adiutrix. This Legion was stationed at Mainz from 71 to 86 AD, dating the helmet to this period. Although its crest attachment was missing, a round imprint suggests a soldered on disc, indicating it had either an Italian style “twist on” crest holder, rather than the Gallic style “slide-on” crest. Three orichalcum helmets of this style are known. All three show evidence of feather holders, which occur only rarely on iron ones, and it may be possible that in the late first century when iron helmets seem more common, the brass helmets and feather tubes suggest a higher rank, perhaps that of option.

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Imperial Italic D

may be more the dark helmet, and decorated, this one is very elite helmet.

This highly decorated helmet seems like it may be unique at first glance; however, it was apparently mass produced, as a second very similar cheek piece has been found, as well a another complete helmet (Imperial Italic E), which apparently had the same style decoration, though most had been stripped off when it was discarded. This helmet is often depicted in modern artwork as a centurion’s headpiece, but the surviving fore and aft crest attachment hooks suggest it belonged to a regular soldier. Because it is so distinctive, it is sometimes stated that it may have been a special item for a particular unit such as the Praetorian Guard. More likely, the Italic D was the product of a single workshop producing a more decorative type for soldiers who might wish to shell out a bit more for splashy headgear. Since the Italic D has integral brass cross-braces placed flat against the skull, providing a double-thickness of metal at a critical point, it is tempting to speculate that the superior performance of this type versus the Dacian falx is what led to the decision to retrofit cross bracing to all helmets in the Dacian theater.

The Deepeeka version of the Italic D, illustrated above left, has a few minor authenticity problems, but is acceptable for use with Legio VI.

that is why I will post more examples...

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

now my favorite because have long neck protection.

Imperial Italic H

The Neidermormter helmet, classified by Robinson as Imperial Italic H, is one of the best-preserved Roman Imperial helmets to have survived from antiquity and is a beautiful piece of the armorer’s craft all around. Made of bronze (an iron version reportedly resides in a private collection), the helmet is heavily decorated and features and enormously deep neck guard. The cross bracing across the skull is actually embossed, rather than applied, and there is a rather unusual dome-shaped knob where the braces meet at the crown of the head. This helmet is typically dated to the late Antonine or Severan eras, ca. AD 180-235, but the find context of the helmet is unknown and the dating is based solely on its typology (i.e. it looks about 40-60 years down the evolutionary trail from the Italic G), providing enough leeway to allow its use for Legio VI Victrix.

this one is Gladiator(movie 2000) helmet,sightly/little inspiration, but later i will speak about those Hollywood helmet.

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Second Part: How Hollywood take inspirations?

Gladiator (2000)

the following images are from a movie and don't try represent realism, but may be find a Aesthetic

the disgrace of a Roman general after the death of Emperor
Marcus Aurelius, the action takes over command of the Emperor Commodus, between 180 and
192 A.D. The presence of attics models is inevitable among officers, but among Legionnaires appears both models based on the type Niedermörmter (Fig. 37), but presenting more simplified (Haevy more) and italic-imperial (Fig. 38). It is quite likely that at this time, on the northern border of the Empire, legionaries were equipped with both models, the first, most innovative, and seconds and somewhat outdated, but still in use. The problem is not present an anachronism this film, but appears erroneous helmets used into this context, in particular, they used in the parade, a cavalry Helmet to equip the bodyguards of the Emperor Commodus.

source:

http://www.ugr.es/~arqueologyterritorio/PDF3/Perez.pdf

but look like similars? that is why is controversial.

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Rome HBO (2005-2006)

(one most accurated Production) but not all. because the script and aesthetic.

the same problem with Gladiator: the reference for art is other piece of art, The Trajan Column

look enormous accurated

we can compared with Marian Legionaries.

.

even old fashion pre Marian they look with some credibility. not by an expert eye.

We analyze here the latest approach to the Roman world. It is a television series that runs from the completion of the conquest of Gaul by Caesar in 52 BC until his death in 44 B.C. Official highly decorated Attics(Helmets) they portrait the models, with plumes of feathers or horsehair, so characteristic of the films of Romans. As for the Legionaries, in the image (fig. 28) we can see a centurion and several legionaries. The types of helmets carrying unidentifiable archaeologically, but are based on the types that can be seen in the column of Trajan, erected in the early second century AD and one of the most classic to represent the armament of the legionnaires references.

http://www.ugr.es/~arqueologyterritorio/PDF3/Perez.pdf

the make up and photography edition made realistic this helmet, but I don't think so. are only details to give authenticity.

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Even in its time the Column wasn't totally realist, because is/was a propaganda tool from Romans .

Great care is taken to distinguish the men and women from both sides of the campaign as well as the ranks within these distinct groups. The scenes are crowded with sailors, soldiers, statesmen and priests, showing about 2,500 figures in all. It also exists as a valuable source of information on Roman and barbaric arms and methods of warfare (such as forts, ships, weapons, etc.) and costume. The relief shows details such as a ballista or catapult. The precise details of the depictions creates a "reality effect" for the viewer in which designer's hope is that these images are taken for objective historical truth.^[11]

The emperor Trajan is depicted realistically in the Veristic style, and makes 59 appearances among his troops. The focus on Trajan as the heroic protagonist is central.^[12] The portrayal of the Roman army as kinder and gentler may also be because it aids in Trajan's image as a man with the virtues of "justice, clemency, moderation, and restraint"

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

The Passion of The Christ (2004)

the full movie have anachronism or bad use of roman equipment or the itself the type of soldiers.

The film takes place in the same period, concluding with the death of Christ, traditionally in 33 AD In the case of officers, represented attics keep finding models with visor, headdress and elaborate like decoraciones.al officers representing some of the legionaries with helmets imperial italic-type, but make their appearance en masse in mid this century.

but the helmets have the Trajan Modifications

probably this most realistic. because those soldier, could be Auxiliar(not Syrian Archer) may be spearman, without Lorica segmentata or Lorica segmentata made by Iron.

Why an Auxiliar ?

This Article was translated from Spanish to English to know how look the romans in the time of Adult Jesus Christ in Judea.

The trial of Jesus reconstructed by Peter Connolly (Ed. Oxford University Press).

...The soldiers appear flanking the podium are auxiliary (soldiers who did not have Roman citizenship, these were probably Syrian) the Roman army. A cohort (480 men) of these auxiliary command of a tribune was permanent garrison in the Antonia Tower/ Antonia Fortress, there weren't not legionaries in Jerusalem (soldiers from the legions), but auxiliary.

Judea at the time of Jesus' birth was a client kingdom, ruled by Herod the Great under Rome's authority. He probably had his own troops for security and general military needs, though Rome may have sent him temporary reinforcements when necessary. Some thirty years later, by the Crucifixion, Judea had become an equestrian province with Pontius Pilate as the current procurator or prefect. He was of equestrian rank, not a senator, and therefore was not of high enough status to command a legion. So his garrison was composed of auxiliary troops, with the nearest legions being stationed in Syria. There may have been a few small details of legionaries or lone centurions on detatched duty here and there, but their tasks would not have had anything to do with the day to day operations in Judea.

There is a reference in the Bible to "the Italian Cohort", apparently Cohors II Italica, composed (unlike most other auxiliary units) of Roman citizens from Italy. There is some evidence that the cohort in garrison at Jerusalem was a cohors equitata, with both infantry and cavalry. Most of the troops besides the Italians would have been Syrians or other locals, Greek-speaking non-citizens. Some of the centurions may have been transferred from the legions as a means of promotion. None of these soldiers would have been overly friendly or sympathetic towards the Jews--internecine strife was this region's specialty.

See the page on Auxiliaries to see how they were equipped and dressed. Auxiliary centurions would have been pretty much the same as those in the legions--see the page on Organization and Officers.

An excellent book on this subject is Peter Connolly's The Holy Land, listed on the Bibliography page. It is inexpensive and should be readily available

.

http://www.larp.com/legioxx/holyland.html

http://www.historialago.com/xto_01135_juiciopilato_01.htm

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

First Influences from Trajan Column about Archaeology

trough the times and other Hollywood Movies compared with real inspiration

other first portraits, inspired in the Column.

The red is the real Helmet archological Helmet, the black outlines are the seen in the Trajan Column.

Why the Column is Imperfect reference to have decent helmet?

To reveal more of the warriors, sculptors scaled down some of the shields and cut away Roman helmets.

source

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/trajan-column/?amp&&&&sf8061447=1

Sculptural Evidence

Many sculptures have been found showing the Roman army in operation as well as individual memorial monuments to soldiers. The workmanship on these monuments and indeed the amount of weathering vary considerably but the better known examples such as Trajan’s column may not be the best primary source for the type of helmets used at any given period of the Roman Empire.

There is a suspicion amongst several military researchers, such as H Russell Robinson, that monuments erected in Rome used a formalised Greek style rather than being based on actual equipment currently in use by front-line troops. An alternative suspicion is that when any equipment was shown on monuments in Rome it may have reflected that commonly used by either the Praetorian troops or Urban Cohorts who were based in Rome. Local masons in the provinces around Legion camps may give a more accurate indication of the actual equipment used, as they would have been working with or for people wearing similar equipment to their subject. However, often the quality of carving remaining today is not as good as that in Roman examples, so their utility for historical accuracy has often either been ignored or questioned.

In either event even the most “realistic” of carving may not allow an accurate interpretation to be made of how the average Roman Legionary or Auxiliary would be equipped in full battle array. The primary evidence therefore devolves to a scattering of archaeological finds, which are often damaged or incomplete. Due to the number of individual helmets discovered on Roman sites, even when incomplete, similarities of form and function have become apparent along with an indication of how different helmets were developed over time

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Another big fake.

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Imperial Italic "G" helmet, discovered in Hebron, Israel and dated to the early II cent. AD. Probably a spoil of war taken by Jewish zealots

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

The Crests

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Gallic Auxiliar 9 AD (At Battle of Teutoburg Forest)

Roman mask helmet, 1st 2nd century CE. These are often called 'parade' helmets for cavalry sports use, but it has been suggested that they were also used in combat. The psychological effect of being charged by one of these masked warriors would have been formidable. A living statue, god-like and terrifying.

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

The first image is a auxiliary infantryman( spearman) and the second is cavalryman, the other are Legionaries.

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

First Century AD, based in Alae Noricum

Cavalry helmet of the early First century AD based on an iron
helmet found in a grave at Weiler

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Early Imperial, may be Augustus to Tiberius.

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

with this other, we must be careful because is not battle costume.

Reconstructed cavalryman in sports equipment, late First

century AD. The horse chamfron is based on two examples

possibly made by the same craftsmen which were found at

Newstead and Vindolanda. The parade helmet is a

reconstruction of the Ribchester helmet now in the British

Museum.

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

A reconstruction of an Augustan helmet found in Nijmegan
probably the earliest in the Imperial Gallic series.

--------

large numbers of this helmet were found. Originally displaying high standards of workmanship and elaborate detailing, these helmets declined in quality rapidly after the military reforms of the General Marius around 100 BC. Presumable this was because the Montefortino became the mass produced standardhelmet of the Roman Army. The Montefortino also largely replaced other current types such as the Attíc and Corínthian helmets based on helmets of Greek descent. Nevertheless both these types remained fashionable in Roman art and may well have been • retained in use by senior officers

[Lion.Kanzen]

he hippika gymnasia (Greek: ἱππικὰ γυμνάσια, "horse exercises") were ritual displays or tournaments performed by the cavalry of the Roman Empire to display their skill and expertise.^[1] They took place on a parade ground situated outside a fort and involved the cavalry practicing manoeuvring and the handling of weapons such as javelins and spears.^[2] The riders and their mounts wore highly elaborate armour and helmets specially made for display purposes, decorated with images from classical mythology.^[3] Such tournaments served several purposes, improving the riders' skills, helping to build unit morale and impressing dignitaries and conquered peoples.^[2]

The Romans maintained substantial cavalry forces to support their legions. The elite of the cavalry, the alae, were expected to perform complex manoeuvres that required extensive training. The role of the cavalry was described in the 2nd century AD by the Roman writer Arrian in his Ars Tactica, a (possibly theoretical) work in which he described how the legions and auxiliary troops could be organised to defeat an enemy. He recorded the hippika gymnasia in considerable detail, though – as he was writing in Greek – we do not know the Latin name of such events.^[4] The riders practised complex manoeuvres with dummy weapons, alternately attacking and defending, and displaying their horsemanship and courage to onlookers.

where cavalrymen competed in teams have been described as
the Roman equivalent of the medieval tournament or
as a martial display designed to impress the 'natives'.
1 o doubt they fulfilled both these functions as wcll as
providing an additional opportunity for practising
battlefield skills and tactics. The troopers wore highly
decorated and colorful equipment for these occasions
although some of the equipment so described may
well have been normal battle gear.

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Whereas the helmets of Auxiliary infantry are poorly
recorded, those of Auxiliary cavalry by comparison are
well represented. ln all probability this reflected their
superior pay and status, although in the past this point
has not always been recognized. At the beginning of
the reign of Augustus the majority of the Gallic and
German auxiliaries would no doubt have supplied
their own equipment including helmets if they owned
any.

Examples of a highly distinctive class of helmets
appear in some detail on a number of surviving
Cavalry grave stelae like that of Romanius Capito
from Mainz. Although generally tombstones are not
always reliable, in this particular instance it is verified
by an increasing amount of archaeological evidence.

##########################################################

Image taken at the display of Roman Army. Tactics Scarborough Castle UK Aug-07. The Spatha was one of the main swords of Imperial Rome, mainly used by the Cavalry.

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Imperial Italic type A

The original of this helmet was found in Pompeii. It was classified by H.R.Robinson as Imperial Italic A, and shows a lot of characteristics typical for earlier, Attic Helmets from Southern Italy. What is special about this helmet is its riveted-on neckguard. The Neckguard itself is rather short, so the helmet is also perfectly usable for Cavalry impressions. The original is made from bronze, ours comes eith

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Hamians

Perhaps the most notably 'specialised' auxiliary regiment in Britain was the 500 strong 'quingenary' cohort of Syrian archers. "Cohors Prima Hamiorum Sagittaria", a unit of bowmen recruited from the Hamian tribesmen from the city of Hama in the Orontes valley in northern Syria, one of only two whole regiments of archers known to have been stationed in Britain. The other being a reference in the Notitia Dignitatum of the 'Numerus Syrorum Saggitariorum' - 'The Company of Syrian Archers' from Malton (Derventio Brigantium) in Yorkshire. This could well be the last incarnation of the former unit.

Hama fell under Roman rule in 63AD. Swapping the sheltered valley of the sun-drenched Orontes River for the Roman Empires cold and windswept northwest frontier in Britain was not a choice most Middle Easterners would have made voluntarily, but in the early second century AD, the 500 infantry archers from the city of Hama simply had no choice. For they were now part of the army of Imperial Rome, and were being sent to a new posting - to protect the remote Roman province of Britain from the attentions of barbarians living in what is now Scotland. Upon their arrival in around 120AD they became the start of an extraordinary blossoming of Middle Eastern culture in Britain. Egyptian temples, Syrian merchants, Arab sailors - all contributed to transforming Britain for the very first time into a cosmopolitan multi-cultural society.

COHORS I HAMIORUM SAGITTARIA IN BRITAIN

The first cohort of Hamian archers was the known Hadrianic garrison unit of Magnis/Carvoran, one of the Stanegate forts. From their garrison of Carvoran the unit then transferred to the legionary-built fort at Bar Hill on the Antonine Wall, and occupied it from AD 142-157 during this frontier's second occupation period. They then transferred back to Carvoran c.AD163-166, during the early reign of Marcus Aurelius, where it was responsible for building the fort in stone. There is evidence of archers possibly stationed at some time at Housesteads fort (Vercovicium) on Hadrian's Wall, the tombstone of an archer dated to the second century, depicted with an eastern bow was found there, though the period of possible occupation at Housesteads is unknown. They would undoubtedly have proved an excellent defensive unit, able to shoot some considerable distance from the northern battlements of the Housesteads fort.

Spaul suggests ("COHORS2" BAR International series 841-2000) that the principle reason for a whole quingenaria unit of archers based on Hadrian's Wall during this period, was possibly to supply meat and game, (which may have been abundant in the area) to the other garrisons. This theory is backed-up by other mentions of hunters (Venatores) from the fort at Birdoswald (Camboglanna).

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Legio secunda adiutrix ("Rescuer Second Legion"), was a legion of the Imperial Roman army founded in AD 70 by the emperor Vespasian (r. 69-79), originally composed of Roman navy marines of the classis Ravennatis. There are still records of II Adiutrix in the Rhine border in the beginning of the 4th century. The legion's symbols were a Capricorn and Pegasus.

Edited October 26, 2015 by Lion.Kanzen