Greek helmets

GREEK HELMETS

                The helmet is unequivocally one of the most important accessories of the Greek hoplite's weapons, being also a distinctive element of the Greek phalanx. Not only did it protect the head of the warrior, but it also contributed to its identification by being crowned with a plume.

                Within the great variety of helmets, the one that enjoyed the greatest popularity and was used for the longest time was the Corinthian helmet (from the 8th century BC to the beginning of the 5th century BC). The researchers establish three phases of its development.

                Period I.- The hull is more rigid and hard. Higher than deep. The cranial vault forms a continuous whole. The nasal spike falls almost vertical, the same as the lateral walls. They all lack decoration. In the passage of the s. VIII to VII BC, this form or pot begins to disappear.

                Period II.- The following evolution occurs with the curve-shaped layout of the profile of the helmets. They are taller and shallower. The opening of the eyes is very wide. The nose guard leans forward. It is a stronger helmet than the previous period. The burin decoration of lines appears in the openings of the eyes and mouth. It is dated between 650 and 530 BC

                Period III.- The slight bulge in the lateral zone leads us to enhance the careening. The lower edge of the helmet presents a marked curvature and a very pronounced notch, and the. This phase is dated between 530 and 480 BC.

WHAT THE GREEK HELMETS WERE LIKE

                The Greek-Illyrian helmet owes its name to the numerous discoveries found in Illyria. The first models were made in the Peloponnese during the seventh century BC. It differs from the Corinthian helmet in that the lily can completely open the visor, thus favoring the view in combat. It was used by the ancient Greeks, Etruscans, Scythians, and became popular with the Illyrians who later adopted it.

                The halkidic helmet was a bronze helmet, worn by Greek hoplites, very popular in Greece. It was also used by the Romans from the 6th century BC. It was developed using the Corinthian helmet as a model, introducing some important modifications. Its vision was wider and it left more room for the ears so it didn't muffle the sound. The cap was similar to the Corinthian helmet.

                The Phrygian helmet , its name derives from the caps that the Phrygian and Thracian peoples habitually used. Most were bronze. The helmet's skull was made from a single sheet of bronze. The skull often ended in a spike at the front, thus protecting the eyes as well as defending the upper part of the face from downward blows.

                The helmets with wild boar tusks (XVII BC to the X century BC) were used in the world. The helmet was made with scales of wild boar tusks placed in a row, glued to a leather base. They were padded with felt. They did not have the protection of metal helmets, although they were worn by some leaders as a status symbol.

                According to archeology, the Corinthian helmet was the most widespread type used by the warriors of Classical Greece. Later it fell into disuse and other types of helmets such as the Halkidic helmet and the Phrygian helmet were used. Although it fell out of use in Greece, the Corinthian helmet was used by the Romans until the first century AD.