Using Medieval and Roman Helmets for Costumes and Reenactments

John Hilde
Whether the common public knows it or not, battle reenactments and stage plays with Roman soldier costumes are a pretty big niche market. To participate in any of these events, you're going to need a quality helmet that will do the job credibly. This article will discuss the different types of helmets people use for reenactments and what you should look for in a quality, wearable helmet.
Medieval helmets is a pretty broad term. This can encompass crusader helmets, sugar loaf helmets, northern sallet helmets, and much more. However, the ones I mentioned are usually the most popular for reenactments and costumes. If you are going into an SCA combat event, then you'll probably need a helmet that has a foam liner with leather, plus leather chin straps to secure the helmet even more. If the helmet does not come like this, then you'll want to purchase separately the foam arming cap kit or just a plain cloth arming cap. This will give the wearer more protection and comfort when wearing it.
First of all, Roman battle and soldier reenactments are more popular in Europe than in the U.S. However, Passion plays and costumes parties use Roman armor and weapons a lot. There are two main types of ancient Roman helmets that people will use for plays: the Roman centurion helmet and the trooper helmet. The centurion helmet has a red plume, either facing front to back or side to side, and the trooper helmet is the common soldier's helmet that would stand guard at the foot of the cross. If you are going to be wearing these, it's probably a good idea to have a helmet that has leather strings and ties to secure the cheek guard and make the helmet for snug. Even better, it should be leather or foamed lined for comfort and tighter fit. If a helmet does not come like this, then you may need to purchase an extra arming cap and ask if the cheek guards are adjustable.
About the author: John Hilde is a historical weapons and armor collector and owns his own online store selling authentic armor and weapons. Please visit http://www.armorvenue.com to learn more.