The helmet was designed to protect the soldier from sword attacks on nearly every part of the head. It had a peak from the brow to defend against a blow to the face, cheek pieces for attacks from the side and horizontal slats at the back of the neck to prevent the opponent's sword from taking off his head, as the rear of the neck was vulnerable to upward sweeps that could get between the layers. By the time of Claudius, this was replaced by one with a guard that fitted snugly against the neck
It fits quite nicely (it is 22.5 cms/9 inches long and 18 cms/7 inches wide) and including plume, measures about 38cms/15 ins. high.
It is handmade from 18 gauge steel, trimmed in brass and weighs just over 4 lbs/2 kilos. |
