Some helmets used by Roman troops

A modest modification of helms in use in the fifth century,¹ this type of helm continued in use into the twelfth century due to its ease of construction.²

Another example of what seems to be a distinctively Roman style is the tenth-century helm found at Yasenovo in Bulgaria. Its horizontally divided construction is corroborated in the Madrid Skylitzes manuscript, while the reinforcing ridges offset from the centre line remind one of the innovations applied to Roman infantry helms in the third century to counter the effects of the Dacian falx. The mail hanging is supported through the slots by a wire running around in side the rolled brim in the same manner as some Caucasian helms (See below). The replica has closer slotting than the original. As is further discussed elsewhere, this type of mail hanging is characteristic of heavy cavalry helms.

As the Age of Migrations commenced different styles of helm construction appeared from the East. By the tenth century minor variations of this type were in use all over the Caucasus (hence they are known as "Caucasian helms") as well as in Rômania.³

Notes

1. M. C. Bishop and J. C. N. Coulston, Roman Military Equipment from the Punic Wars to the Fall of Rome, London 1993, pp. 167-72 and fig. 122.
2. Extensively illustrated in the Madrid manuscript of the Chonicle of Skylitzes. See any popular book on Byzantium.
3. A. N. Kirpichnikov, Drevierusskoe Orujie, III, Lenningrad 1971, pl. 10 and eslewhere.