Look At These Famous Medieval Helmets Types
The medieval helmet was generally known as the helm in feudal times that have successfully gone through the test of time. These helmets have considerably evolved throughout history as the materials used in medieval helmet types and designs have altered over time.
The evolution of ancient helmets during the extended period of the Middle Ages underwent these changes gradually. They were required to keep up these advancements made in medieval weaponry and fighting arms.
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History:
A lot of different types of helmets were made during the middle ages. All of these medieval helmet types offer an awesome level of protection and were worn during battles and warfare.
Medieval Helmets are made out of iron and steel, just like the rest of the protective covering armor. In the middle ages, they were made by a blacksmith who specialized in building quality Armor. Occasionally, the Helmets were made by regular blacksmiths, which was less expensive but also lesser in quality.
At times, symbols were also painted on the helmets for identification reasons. In the early middle ages, the most common helmets were open-faced Helmets, like the spangen helm. This helmet did not completely protect the whole face area. Sometimes, it only has nasal protection.
In the late middle ages, the most common medieval helmet types were those which completely cover the whole face area like the great helm, the bascinet, and the armet.
They were specially designed for soldiers and higher class men. Hence, it was still important to cover the head and skull properly as an injury in these areas is always harder to fix.
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How to Choose the Right Helmet?
While choosing a helmet, you should take a detailed look at the pros and cons to make the right choice. At times, it is better to choose a helmet that can cover your face completely. On the other hand, a lighter weighted helmet is good as you can easily move with it.
Various Medieval Helmet Types:
Let’s have a look at the complete guide on various medieval helmet types in the regulation of their evolution.
1. Kettle Helm:
It was most popular in the 11th century.
The kettle helmet was also known as Eisenhut and chapeau de Fer, which means ‘a hat of iron’. It looks like a cooking pot or kettle so its name is because of its shape. The structure of this helmet consists of a wide brim and it was open-faced.
It was worn along with coif beneath. As well, it was mostly worn by the infantry as it protects from anything from above.
Moreover, these helmets were used in wars, as well as, for other tasks like mining, etc. Initially, they were made from multiple steel plates. Later, in the 13th century, these were made up of one piece of steel.
Pros:
· Shield to blows from above
· Sun out of the face
· Inexpensive
Cons:
· No facial protection
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2. Spangenhelm:
It dated from the early middle ages to the 10th century.
This Helmets’ name belongs to the frame, which was made up of strips. These strips are called ‘spangen’ in German. These strips consist of about 4–6 metal plates.
It had a broad nasal strip to protect the nose. The ancient spangenhelms had leather or metal cheek guards. This helmet was used widely because it was very inexpensive.
Pros:
· Good sight and breathing
· Easy to make
· Inexpensive
Cons:
· Not very sturdy
· No full facial protection
3. Great Helm:
It belongs to the 13th to 16th centuries.
This helmet is also known as a great helm, pot helm or bucket helm. Initially, it had a square top, but this caused it to become a target for hammers. So, later on, the designs upgraded to a conical top which decreased the impact of hammers and swords.
The Great Helm completely covered the face and had openings for eyes and mouth. Then, it also included protection for the neck and lastly, the whole helmet rested on the shoulders of the soldier in the 14th century.
Pros:
· Full facial protection
· Less and small openings: protection against piercing
Cons:
· Heavy (weight: between 1.5kg and 3kg)
· Hard to see through and breathe
· Hard to communicate due to the small openings
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4. Bascinet And Hounskull:
It belongs to the 14th to 15th centuries.
It was usually an open-faced helmet but it sometimes also used with a conical screen. This helmet looks like a beak, that’s why it is called a hounskull. It is a very famous helmet used by both knights and infantry.
In the 14th century, it took the place of the great helm in fame. Initially, the bascinet was worn beneath the great helmet. But soldiers often removed the great helmet. Therefore, they could move easily and had less weight to carry.
At the end of the 15th century, these helmets progressed from the conical shapes to more rounded shapes and consequently transitioning into the armet.
Pros:
· Lighter than the great helm
· Design helps repel weapons
Cons:
· Easy to see and breathe
· Very heavy
5. Armet:
It belongs to the 16th century.
The initial experiment for a helmet that looked like the form of the human head started in Italy. This helmet fixed closely around the head.
It was broader on the top and narrower around the neck. As you can’t slide it over the head, it was required to have a system to open and close the helmet easily.
Pros:
· Compact and lightweight
· Complete protection of the head
Cons:
· Vision
Conclusion:
Different medieval helmet types are no doubt an absolute level of style that provides ultimate defense. So, search for one of the most trusted online stores and grab yours.
