Helmets are a piece of armor, usually made of metal that are specially
designed to protect the head. Greek helmets often had open face and
hinged cheekplates and offered better vision than the Corinthian.
Considered as the precursor of the Roman Helmets, the Greek helmets
usually have lines etched into the metal that follow the edges around
the head, face and eyes. Types of Greek Helmets :
Corinthian
Probably developed in the 8th century BC, the Corinthian helmet was custom made for the person. Designed skillfully, this helmet was created from one single piece of bronze. Early in the helmet's career there were two types of crests. One layed flush on the crown arcing from front to back. The other type was worn high, curling forward at the top. When not in use, these helmets could be pushed back to rest on the head.
Illyrian
Tracing its origin in the 7th century BC, the Illyrian was made in two pieces joined together at the crown. Its crest ran from front to back, flush to the helmet in order to help protect the seam. There were also two ridges running along either side of the seam to provide extra protection.
Chalcidian
Chalcidian took the basic form of the corinthian helmet, rounded the cheek guards and formed openings for the ears. Often made with ram heads embossed on the cheek pieces, Chalcidian's temple and forehead were deocrated with relief lines.
Pilos
The pilos helmet finds inspiration from civilian hats. The Spartans started wearing this helmet and was later adopted by other greeks of the peloponese.
Petasus
The petasus was a wide-brimmed hat worn to keep the sun away and was later converted into a helmet. It was worn by horsemen and lt. Infantry in the 5th century.
Beotian
The Beotian was especially favored by the cavalry because of its great visibility. It was a popular helmet, used also by the romans until around the end time of Republic.
Thracian
The Thracian was based on a form of cap that was made of a soft material rising to a forward pointing peak. It was re-enforced by a band or hem running across the head. the helmet repeated this from in bronze.
