![]() As you might know, the Romans were quite good at expanding their territory. Roman helmets became synonymous with the might and invincibility of the Roman Empire. ![]() Still, the psychological impact extended far beyond the battlefield. The appearance of the helmet really functioned as an additional Roman army tactic. The intimidating appearance of Roman helmets struck fear into the hearts of enemies, steadily damaging their morale. On the other hand, the psychological impact on the opponents of the Romans was probably more striking. Being able to recognize someone who is fighting for the same cause from a mile away does instill quite the feeling of togetherness and superiority. In turn, the confidence levels among the allies, as well as their loyalty, grew. The sight of a legion of soldiers wearing these imposing headpieces had a profound effect on both allies and enemies from the early Roman kingdom onwards.įor allies, the helmets created a sense of unity and camaraderie. The psychological impact of Roman helmets cannot be understated either. Also, it made the soldiers feel part of a force that could overcome any obstacle. It helped to minimize confusion in the midst of one of the many battles of the Roman wars. By wearing a helmet that represented their unit or rank, soldiers identified themselves as part of a larger collective, reinforcing their commitment to their comrades and their shared mission.Īlso, the distinctiveness of the helmets made it easier to recognize who belonged to the Roman legion on the battlefield. The fact that the helmets were so visually distinct also fostered a sense of pride in the wearers. Modern replica of a centurion’s helmet Symbolism The size of the crest also played a role, further distinguishing ranks within the centurionate. Centurions wore their cristae in different colors, like red, white, or black. High-ranking officers like centurions – who, strangely enough, commanded only 80 soldiers instead of 100 – would wear an impressive crest to show their rank. Normally, they were made of horsehair or feathers, which were held together with a leather or metal support structure. In the case of Roman helmets, a crest is a decorative feature that runs along the top of the helmet (either vertically or horizontally). Your Roman army career was only valid if you had the armor to show for it.Įspecially, the addition of the Roman helmet crest – or, cristae – was a common feature to indicate the status of the one wearing the imperial helmet. The design, decorations, and type of crests on the helmets varied based on factors such as rank, unit, and specialization. Statusĭifferent types of helmets were used by various ranks within the Roman army, which allowed for easy identification of officers, flag bearers, or Roman cavalry units. However, the Roman helmet held a deep symbolic significance, which was a reflection of the soldier’s identity and status. ![]() Roman helmets provided great defense against direct blows from weapons such as swords, arrows, or blunt objects, significantly reducing the risk of severe head injuries. Status, Symbolism, and Psyche of the Roman Helmet Not only was this for the sake of aesthetics, but it also served a practical purpose. Additionally, the helmet was often decorated with a range of items, including plumes or crests. Actually, this was quite remarkable for the time. The Roman Empire helmet covered the top, sides, and back of the head, leaving the face exposed for better visibility and communication. The piece of Roman armor typically featured a rounded shape and was primarily crafted from some sort of metal, often resulting in bronze or iron helmets. Roman helmets played a significant role in safeguarding the head from various forms of attacks in the tumultuous battlefields of the Roman Empire. It brought them defense against a range of battlefield dangers and served as a symbol of identity, rank, and achievements within the military hierarchy. ![]() Its remarkable construction – often decorated with feathers – and strategic design provided the Romans with some of the best armor of ancient times. The Roman helmet held immense significance as an essential piece of protective equipment. What is the Roman Helmet? Ornate Roman gladiator helmet with relief including an eagle and Priapus found in the gladiator barracks in Pompeii 1st century CE
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