Roman Republican helmets

Choosing the right Roman helmet can be a challenging task for reenactors and collectors. In their centuries-long history, the Romans various types of helmets. In this blog, we help you make the right choice.

In this blog, we will discuss the Corinthian, Attic, Montefortino and Coolus helmets 'Wiesenaue'. In another blog, we will cover the helmets from the time of the Roman Empire (1st - 3rd century BC) and the late Roman Empire (3rd to 5th century AD).

The Etruscans, and thus also the Romans, were strongly influenced by the Greeks, and this was reflected in the military tactics and equipment of the Romans during the late monarchy and early republic. During the time of the last Etruscan kings, around the 5th century BC, the phalanx formation was adopted from Greece. During this period, there was probably little difference between a Greek, Roman, or Etruscan hoplite. Even after the Roman monarchy, up to the 3rd century BC, the Romans used hoplite armies. 

In addition to the phalanx and hoplite, the peoples of Italy also adopted the Greek type helmets. Very popular was the Corinthian helmet, of which many variants have been found in Italy. The Corinthian helmet was originally a bronze helmet that in later styles covered the entire head and neck. It had narrow openings for the eyes and mouth, while a large curved protrusion provided extra protection for the neck. Outside of battles, Greek hoplites often wore the helmet raised to offer more comfort. This custom led to adaptations in Italy, where the openings became increasingly smaller. As a result, the helmet was no longer pulled over the face but worn like a cap. Although the classic Corinthian helmet was gradually replaced by more open models among the Greeks, the Italo-Corinthian variant remained in use until the 1st century AD. This adapted version was worn by the Roman army, among others.

The Attic helmet was highly valued by the Etruscans and has a history of over a thousand years. Originally invented by the Athenians in the 5th century BC, the helmet spread from the late 4th century BC to the Hellenistic and later the Greco-Roman world. In Italy, the helmet was widely adopted, especially by the Etruscans and Oscans, who developed their own variants, such as the Etrusco-Attic and Osco-Attic helmets.

The Oscans, originating from Central Italy, extensively used the Attic helmet and adapted it to their own style. They played an important political and military role in Italy from the 5th century BC, becoming rivals of both the Romans and the Greeks. The Apulians and Messapians also developed their own versions of the helmet.

Although the Attic helmet was popular in Italy, it was less used by the Greeks in Magna Graecia and Sicily, mainly appearing there due to the presence of Etruscan and Oscan mercenaries. Later, the use of the helmet spread through the Romans to other parts of the Mediterranean world.

Hoplite armies, with their massive phalanx, proved ineffective against enemies who utilized their flexibility on the battlefield. As in the Samnite Wars (315-300 BC) and the Battle of the Allia (390 BC) against the Gauls, after which Rome was plundered. The army was reformed and the hoplite took on a less prominent role. The triarii now formed the hoplite part of the Roman army, while the hastati and principes became a more flexible infantry, equipped with javelins (which could also be used for thrusting). The triarii remained in use until approximately the 1st century BC. 

After the sack of Rome, more and more Gallic weapons and armors were adopted by the Romans, including the Montefortino helmet. This remained in use in the Roman armies for 500 years until it was replaced after the Gallic wars. The early Montefortino helmets had a notably luxurious finish. Later, possibly around 107 BC when it was decided that Rome should arm the entire army from the state treasury, cheaper low-quality versions appeared that could be mass-produced. Previously, the Roman soldier, like the Greek hoplite, paid for his own armor. The Montefortino helmet is equipped with cheek protection, similar to the Attic helmet. At the back, it has a short neck guard and the helmet bowl rises conically upwards. At the top, a plume of horse hair was attached, which was removed during the long march. Feathers were often attached to the sides: the plume and feathers served for extra intimidation, making the wearer 20 to 30 centimeters taller. 

The Montefortino helmet was worn by many different peoples. They were worn by Carthaginians, Celtiberians, and Romans during the 2nd and 3rd Punic wars. Additionally, they were also worn by the Etruscans in the early days.

The Coolus helmet is named after the place Coole in France. This type of helmet only began to replace the Montefortino helmet in the 1st century BC, although both are very similar. The main distinction between the two is the semi-rounded dome-shaped helmet bowl of the Coolus helmet, as opposed to the more conical shape of the Montefortino. The first two models (A and B) were very simple, but from the "C" model, important features were added, such as a front reinforcement and a pronounced neck guard. These modifications provided extra protection against blows to the head that would otherwise slide down and could injure the wearer's back or face.

Later Coolus helmets were equipped with two large cheek guards, but less specific ear protection. Instead, the ear openings were directly incorporated into the helmet. The helmet was designed with functionality as a priority, which meant it could be easily mass-produced—a crucial factor at a time when many Roman citizens served in the army. This design, of Celtic origin, was likely adopted by the Romans due to its low cost and efficient design. The Coolus helmet remained in use until the 1st century AD and was widely used by auxiliary troops.

Usually, the Coolus helmet was made of brass or bronze, although some specimens might have been made of iron. As is typical with helmets of Celtic origin, openings were made to add attachment straps or cheek guards to the helmet. Despite its functionality, the Coolus helmet was relatively simple in design, with minimal decoration, such as occasionally some raised ribs or panels on the cheek pieces. Some types of Coolus helmets could, like the Montefortino helmet, have feathers or a crest of horse hair attached. 

Russell Robinson categorized the Coolus helmets into nine different models (A to/m I), thereby accurately documenting the development of this type of helmet. This system highlights the evolution from a simple, effective helmet to a more advanced design that better met the needs of the Roman army.

This is a replica of a Roman Coolus found in Haltern. The original was worn in the early 1st century AD. 

The model, very similar to the Montefortino-type E, dated from the period of Caesar's Gallic Wars, was subsequently used by the Caesarian legions and later also in the Augustan period. 

This is a replica of a Roman coolus from London. The original is made of a copper alloy and was likely worn between 20 and 80 A.D. It is on display at the British Museum in London.

This is a replica of a Roman coolus found in Drusenheim (Germany). The original dates from 25 to 75 AD. 

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