The medieval helmet was commonly known as the helm in feudal times that has successfully stood the test of time. These helmets have significantly evolved throughout history since the materials used in these helmets and designs have transformed over time. The evolution of primitive helmets during the extended period of the Middle Ages undergone these changes progressively and were required to keep up these enhancements made in medieval artillery and fighting arms. Let’s walk through this comprehensive guide on various types of medieval helmets.
Norman (Nasal) Helmet
Among the prominent types of medieval helmets, a great piece of defense, the unremitting coif, named this way since it was enduring the hauberk and is seen continuously in the Bayeux tapestry. These helmets were observed in many seals of the 12th century particularly in the vellum paintings. The hood of mail was ultimately separated from the hauberk in the 13th century. The helmets without nasals were primarily conical, flat-topped and round.
In the 14th century, Helms offered freedom of breathing through perforations in the lower part. A few had holes made on the right side. The helms were typically constructed of iron or steel and some were made of guilt. For warfare, the great helm was placed over the bassinet.
Medieval cylindrical helmet
Amongst the most representative helmets of the Middle Ages was the flat-topped helmet. It came into fashion by the end of the 12th century and later became very popular. In the most primitive examples include the casque featuring two horizontal clefts for the vision that are strengthened by bands overlapping one another over the face and on the top. In some cases, the cylindrical helmet takes the barrel form with a grated-ventail through which an improved supply of air could be obtained. At the start of the 13th century, the incessant coif was still a portion of the hauberk of chain-mail while in the other half of the era, the round-topped coif was more common.
Medieval Helm with Movable Ventail
A significant modification in Medieval armor construction is marked by the creation of Medieval helm, the casque enfolding the entire head of the knight. From here, the Middle Ages helmets were classified into helms and helmets. The term helm was labeled to a new type of headpiece whereas the helmet was designated a piece of reduced completeness, the non-closed casque. The succeeding changes of fashion supply further divided the helms including those with flat-topped, round-topped and sugar-lead form. On the other hand, the helmets were classified as the semicircular, the cylindrical, the pointed, and the nasal.
Most Trendy Medieval helmet: Bassinet
The initial use of the bassinet was recorded in existing historical sources that date back to 1281. Since the shape and design of the bascinet were considerably different from the prior versions using iron skullcap in Europe, it is assumed that it was influenced by Eastern cultures. Prominent evolution of the bascinet took place in the 14th and 15th centuries. It continued to be popular on the battlefield until it was substituted by lighter types of helmets in the second half of the 15th century. The earlier bascinet featured a high and pointed skull. In the 14th century, the shape of the bassinet was prolonged that protected the neck as well.
Medieval helmets are among the most diverse helmets available in an assortment of styles that steadily offer increasingly different levels of the defense. Apart from the above-listed types of medieval helmets, if you are familiar with any other popular kind, please write to us in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you.
