Roman Helmets and Shields

Late Roman Helmet Sheathing

This fragmented collection of gold-plated silver sheets once adorned at least two or three different late Roman helmets. The main measured fragments were clearly part of the decorative section of a Duerne-Berkasovo Variant II type helmet, commonly referred to as a "Ridge Helmet".

Spangenhelm Cheek Piece

The nearly complete left cheek piece belongs to a multi-piece, or Spangenhelm-style, helmet. These helmets were widely used in ancient times, from the 2nd to the late 7th century. They can be seen in depictions on Trajan's Column and various Roman gravestones or carvings, right up until the fall of the Western Empire. Their use carried on into the Byzantine Empire and even beyond.

Complete Late Roman Crest Decoration

Iron Shield Umbo (Boss)

Niederbieber Helmet Brace

Dating back to the late 2nd or 3rd century, this is an impressive piece of cross-braced reinforcement from a later Roman helmet, often classified as a Neiderbieber type. It’s remarkably well preserved, featuring a smooth green patina, with two knob-like rivets with flattened sides highlighting where the reinforcement bar is attached.

Late Roman Bronze Helmet Ridge

Ridge Helmet Crest Decoration

This bronze helmet crest, designed for the "Intercisa II or IV" Roman helmet, features a frilled edging at the attaching end and a neck that narrows into a round circle. The piece still shows traces of gold gilding, with the attaching rivet protruding from it. Its most distinctive detail is the symbol set within the circle, which is framed by a dotted border. 

Late Roman Helmet Parts

Two pieces are thought to be from a late Roman ridge helmet. One is a bronze rivet with a silver sheathing wrapped around its head, and the other is the body section of a small silver buckle.

Scutum Bronze Rim Binding

This bronze fragment is thought to be part of the trim from a Roman shield. It still has one rivet in place, which would have fastened it to the shield’s edge, adding extra strength and support.

Ridge Helmet Crest Decoration (fragment)

This bronze helmet crest from an "Intercisa II or IV" Roman helmet has lost its attaching ends and features a hole near the bottom. The piece still bears traces of gold gilding. The hole seems wide enough to have been made by the tip of some kind of blade, possibly during battle, as it was positioned in a spot that would have faced the main area of attack on a soldier.