![]() I can't really speak to what armour Macedonian phalangites wore, but I wasn't under the impression that they were very heavily equipped.Īs for cavalry engagements in general: they were indeed more fluid, but that's precisely why Roman cavalry helmets tended to be more protective and enclosing than infantry helmets, covering more of the back of the neck and the ears. In a nutshell: we're still not sure, but historians are less doubtful than they used to be. In this regard, a masked helmet may well be a very useful tool, and even if it wouldn't be practical for most or all men to wear them, the added protection combined with the above considerations may have made them seem a worthwhile trade-off for some. The goal was both to inspire and encourage your fellow soldiers, and to intimidate the enemy. Richly decorated shields, polished and ornamented armour, helmet plumes and crests were all important parts of warfare. It certainly makes sense for standard bearers and such to do so, since they have a more symbolic and inspirational battlefield role anyway, and the masks fit in with the animal hides and polished scale armour such men also tended to wear.Įven for ordinary soldiers it is not out of the question: Splendour and spectacular display were an important part of ancient warfare. A Roman tombstone in Germany even seems to depict an infantry signifer (standard bearer) wearing such a helmet.Īdd in the fact that we've found almost as many of these "parade" helmets as we have "normal" helmets, and it seems quite possible to me that these masked helmets would sometimes be used in battle. Then we found the battlefield at the Teutoburger Wald and discovered a masked helmet among the debris. They seemed too ostentatious and impractical. ![]() The current rotation is:įor a long time, these helmets were designated as "parade helmets" by historians and archaeologists, and it was assumed that they would not be used in battle. Previous AMAs | Previous Roundtables Featuresįeature posts are posted weekly. May 25th | Panel AMA with /r/AskBibleScholars ![]() Please Subscribe to our Google Calendar for Upcoming AMAs and Events To nominate someone else as a Quality Contributor, message the mods. Our flaired users have detailed knowledge of their historical specialty and a proven record of excellent contributions to /r/AskHistorians. Please Read and Understand the Rules Before Contributing. Report Comments That Break Reddiquette or the Subreddit Rules. Serious On-Topic Comments Only: No Jokes, Anecdotes, Clutter, or other Digressions. Provide Primary and Secondary Sources If Asked. Write Original, In-Depth and Comprehensive Answers, Using Good Historical Practices. Questions should be clear and specific in what they ask, and should be able to get detailed answers from historians whose expertise is likely to be in particular times and places. ![]() Nothing Less Than 20 Years Old, and Don't Soapbox. Be Nice: No Racism, Bigotry, or Offensive Behavior. Downvote and Report comments that are unhelpful or grossly off-topic.Upvote informative, well sourced answers.New to /r/AskHistorians? Please read our subreddit rules and FAQ before posting! Apply for Flair ![]()
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