Roman ridge helmet
This ornate, jewel-encrusted helmet is a striking example of military fashion from the late Roman Empire
An ornate example of the later Roman Empire’s military fashion
“ROMAN RIDGE HELMETS WERE NOTICEABLY DIFFERENT IN DESIGN TO THE GALEA, WITH A VAULTED SKULL, A SMALLER NECK GUARD, AN ADDED NOSE GUARD AND CURVED CHEEK GUARDS”
The distinctive helmets of Roman soldiers were an iconic symbol of imperial might. Along with other pieces of heavy armour, a helmet was a mainstay of Roman soldiers’ personal defence, and its design gave it a formidable, unyielding appearance.
By the 4th century CE, the Roman Empire was undergoing significant change and imperial military fashion was still evolving. The Etruscans, who were the early Romans’ neighbours in Italy, influenced the traditional ‘Galea’ helmet. Over time, other influences crept in from further afield, including the Sassanid Empire. The Sassanids heavily influenced the design of what became known as the ‘ridge helmet’ of the late Roman army.
Roman ridge helmets were noticeably different in design to the Galea, with a vaulted skull, a smaller neck guard, an added nose guard and curved cheek guards that were attached by straps or laces instead of metal hinges.
The overall effect was a more ‘Medieval’ appearance, but the wealth of Rome was still evident in this pictured helmet.
Discovered at Berkasovo in Serbia, the helmet dates from around the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great. Its owner was clearly wealthy because, although it is made of wrought iron, it is sheathed in silver gilt and decorated with glass and gems, including emeralds and onyx. The helmet was one of two discovered at Berkasovo, along with silver belts, plates, straps and sheets. The apparent high cost of its production indicates that its owner was probably a wealthy figure who was either a high-ranking officer or even a ruler.