Etrusco-Thracian helmet

To know more about this helmet, watch our video The Etruscan hoplite

This type of helmet is defined Etrusco-Thracian by J.M. Paddock, by virtue of a probable derivation from Hellenistic models of the Thracian helmet. However, its material origin in Etruria is certain, where almost all the finds of this type are concentrated.

The dating of these helmets ranges from the beginning of the fourth century BC to the middle of the III century BC: roughly from the fall of Veii to the end of the First Punic War.

Divided into 5 subtypes, they are generally characterized by the bulbous cap above a recessed concave band, which also forms the neck roll. Most of them have an opening for the ears, often protected by an additional circular or fan-shaped plate, and do not have cheek-pieces. All are made of copper alloy and have a hole at the apex of the cap, which in many cases houses the fixing of a top ring.

As far as the use of this ring is concerned, it has been hypothesized that it could be used for fixing a crest, even if in practice this would result in a system that is not very functional and not supported in a particularly stringent way.

An alternative hypothesis could be that of using the ring for storage: the discovery in 1905 on the Acropolis of Vetulonia of a deposit of 125 Negau helmets belonging to the noble army of the Etruscan Haspana family suggests that there were armories where aristocratic families kept their weapons for their private armies.

The fixing system consists of a ring on the neck roll and two button hooks on the sides of the shell, as in many other types of helmets of the period.

In depth:

“Elmi dell’Arce di Vetulonia”, E. Pucci, in Notiziario della Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici della Toscana 11/2015

“The bronze Italian helmet: the development of the Cassis from the last quarter of the sixth century B.C. to the third quarter of the first century A.D Vol. I “, J.M. Paddock, https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/1348999/1/338165_vol1.pdf

Rome Victrix – https://www.roma-victrix.com/summa-divisio/armamentarium/cassideae-et-galeae/italico-iv-sec-a-c.html

4th- beginning 3rd century BC

Brass.

Our reproduction is made of brass 1.2-1 mm thick, the rosette at the top is assembled with tin-lead alloy for greater solidity: on some helmets of this type there are traces of welding in this position.

Slightly satin finish with hand polishing.

Inner dimensions 19×23 cm, height 22 cm.
Weight 1.5 kg.

To choose the size of your helmet or to check if it is compatible with your measurements, follow these instructions: https://www.res-bellica.com/en/how-to-take-measurements-for-your-helmet

Res Bellica product, unique piece.