Celtic helmet, Alesia-type, 1st century BC
This Celtic helmet is perfect for anyone wishing to display or wear the equipment of a Gallic warrior who participated in Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars—whether as an ally or auxiliary, or as a warrior of Vercingetorix.
The Alesia-type helmet belongs to the group of so-called “Western Gallic helmets.” This group of helmets is also called the “Agen-type.”
This is a large family of helmets, made entirely of iron, which also gave rise to the famous Roman helmets of the early imperial period.
This helmet is called the “Alesia-type” after the location where one of its finds was discovered, the battlefield of the famous Siege of Alesia in 52 BC, a clash between Vercingetorix and Julius Caesar.
However, helmets of this type were actually widespread throughout northwestern Europe. To name just a few sites: Alesia, Agen, Port-Nidau, Giubiasco, and Foret de Compiegne.
These helmets are characterized by a consistent rib along the entire circumference of the helmet, located above the second defining element of these helmets, the protective brim that protrudes outward. This brim is usually, though not always, wider at the rear of the helmet.
Finally, the last defining element of the Alesia-type helmet is the contoured cheekpieces. These, not surprisingly, strongly resemble those of the first models of Roman imperial helmets. The cheekpieces of these helmets, hinged at the front of the helmet to protect the face, have a highly distinctive shape and are hammered in relief. They also feature a reinforced edge.
The Gallic Alesia-type helmet from Res Bellica is a faithful artisanal reproduction of a helmet from this family, based specifically on the specimen from Alesia. Every element of this helmet was crafted with care and respect for the original.
A perfect piece for reenactors, museum exhibits, and collectors.
