![]() Corinthian Helmet (origins – circa 8th century BC) In any case, the Kegelhelm was soon discontinued in favor of the renowned Corinthian Helmet, because of its inherent weakness in design relating to the joins by which the aforementioned pieces were attached to the main conical cap. ![]() However, beyond Mesopotamian influence, scholars have also conjectured that the Kegelhelm was possibly a Greek adoption of similar helmet types used by the earlier Minoans. Interestingly enough, archaeologists noted how the crest of one of these Iron Age specimens resembled the helmets used in contemporary Assyria (corresponding to the Neo Assyrian Empire). The form factor of the Kegelhelm is directly known from three 8th century tombs in Argos that contained remnants of the helmets. Exhibiting its distinct shape ( kegel meaning ‘cone’ in German), the helmet was basically constructed from five pieces, including a conical cap (pictured above), cheek pieces, and even a forehead guard. Kegelhelm (origins – possibly circa 10th century BC)Īlthough not much is known about the usage pattern of the Kegehelm, historians and archaeologists have hypothesized that this conical contraption was probably one of the oldest Iron Age helmets used in mainland Greece. In any case, from the historical perspective, like many things Mycenaean, such helmet types were possibly inspired by the advanced Bronze Age Minoans. He also goes on to explain how the ‘Greeks’ (or Mycenaeans) acquired these tusks due to their penchant for hunting. Interestingly enough, Homer makes a full description of such boar tusk helmet types and their prevalence in the Trojan War. Some of the specimens possibly even had cheek guards (that extended downwards), thus accounting for a formidable head defense. Special care was taken to alternate the curves of these shaped tusks in the concurrent rows, while the crown was embellished with a plume or a knob. ![]() Giving a literal meaning to their name, these helmets were actually reinforced with the sturdy tusks of boars – which were primarily shaped in smaller pieces, bored with holes, and then expertly stitched on a conical leather framework. This is where an Aegean invention came to the fore, in the form of the special boar tusk helmet. But while the shield could cover most parts of the body, the head was still exposed to blows in a melee situation. The early Mycenaean (Bronze Age Greek) spearmen probably employed massed ‘shoulder to shoulder’ formations, further complemented by their sturdy shields and weapons, as opposed to hefty armor systems (that were mostly eschewed in favor of light clothing).
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