The Roman Helmet's Evolution - DOCUMENTARY

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

A bit of nuance on the matter of the attic helmets; although we do believe the relief on Claudius' arch is way over the top and not a realistic representation of a unit of praetorians whatsoever, and that the stereotypical hollywood attic helmets would be very unlikely to have been a common sight, there is of course always the possibility for exceptions. Rich soldiers - like officers - could well have had an attic-resembling helmet custom made for example. But with a clear lack in archaeological finds and realistic sculptures, the attic helmet is simply seen as more of an oddity than a common helmet type for sure.

[@spiritualanarchist8162]

Hmmm .Dit accent heb ik eerder gehoord 😉

[@teru797]

Why no eastern roman helmets? For awhile the eastern romans used roman style helmets before they evolved into the medieval helms

[@laisphinto6372]

so what helmets would tribunes,legates,prefects and generals use?

[@latometoy2872]

Well, in the Trajan's column you can also see some leginaries wearing an attican style helmet, exactly like in Hollywood movies.

[@farwinaasdang9123]

ßßl hj

[@ayparillo]

I've studied ancient Rome since high school. I'm now several years out of college. Your content is still by FAR the most interesting I have ever come across. You have re-kindled my love for history and I thank you for that. Don't ever stop. I believe your channel will rise to incredible heights and I'm excited to be in at the beginning so I can see it happen.

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thank you for your kind comment and support!

[@liukang3545]

HaHah high sc00l

[@interruptingcow2418]

High school. Lol. 😂😂

[@woomeow6825]

@@ImperiumRomanumYT Quick question, what do you all use to fasten the chinstraps so quickly without what looks like much tying? Thanks.

[@jrsands]

The only helmet we need in the modern era is the Trojan helmet.

[@iamcornholiooooo3019]

I have to say, I learned more from watching a few of your videos than I did all throughout my classical studies. Good job, keep them coming :-)

[@RENATVS_IV]

The wait was totally worth it. I learnt a lot with you lads. You are making an absolutely splendid work with this channel.

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks Rene, great to see you again:)

[@VulcanTrekkie45]

We're so used to seeing just one type of helmet. Videos like this are great because they show the evolution over time, especially the late imperial period. It's striking how much the later helmets look like something out of the Middle Ages, but then again that makes sense.

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

Agreed! 👍 In many media, and certainly in popular imagination, "Roman" tends to be this single monolithic idea...? Which matches the image of power the emperors liked to try & project, for sure! But just isn't realistic to an empire which covered such a wide geographic area & timescale, and incorporated so many different people groups at various times. Really liked the presentation here, showing not just the change over time but also how one style evolved from another. And as you note, it's also interesting to think about how medieval military protection iterated on this later, as weapons & combat styles continued to evolve in the various cultures Rome had impacted!

[@themaskedman221]

Well, the "later period" was basically the Early Middle Ages -there are no sharp cutoffs in history. Medieval Europeans inherited most of their combat ideas from the Romans, from the armor to the tactics. Medieval knights were basically descendants of the Roman equestrians (the equites, who are sometimes called "knights", although this is not quite accurate).

[@fritzfritzensen8517]

The time, effort and passion you spend on this is impressive.

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks Fritz, nice to see it does not go unnoticed

[@Eshanas]

I love the fourth and fifth century helmets personally…so underrepresented

[@luisaceves9709]

I love the historical accuracy in this video. Really takes you back in time

[@randomthoughts9276]

Don't know if it's just me, but man I'm glad to finally learn about the helmets presented in Rome2 TotalWar and Attila TotalWar

[@kalgrave497]

The Quality of work you guys put into this is absolutely Amazing, keep up the great work !

[@jurjendraaisma9188]

An excellent overview of Roman helmet typology. It would be intersting to also do a more metallurgical approach to all the styles compared to the enemies weaponry. Also, the change in manufacturance between the early helmets and the later one is quite an interesting topic to show.

[@cole4537]

This was AMAZING! I was not expecting such high quality and professional looking reels from this. It totally blew me away. Subscribed!

[@davidoblast8291]

Finally, a channel that covered 3rd century helmets onward. Love the niederbieber helmets

[@Psittacus_erithacus]

Excellent video, as always. Beautiful recreations, nicely filmed & presented with thoughtful context. Here's hoping it gets the promotion it deserves & reaches everyone who may be interested in such things!

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thank you Psittacus, we hope so too so spread the word! ;)

[@ledzep215]

Glad to see yall back at it! Thanks for your awesome videos :3

[@Maurice599]

Amazing work guys! This channel is a gift to the historical community, keep up the awesome content please!

[@caervlevsmaximvs7518]

I have to say I especially love the camerawork of this particular video. It offers great attention to otherwise often overlooked details. Mars and Minerva would be proud!

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks CAERVLEVS, we will let our camera operator know:)

[@sunriselady2716]

I love this channel. All the videos are filmed at professional levels that can put Hollywood to shame.

[@intentionally_obscure]

Always such high quality content. That you spare no expense covering the details of the details is just part of what makes your channel so engaging. I look forward to the next.

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thank you Tyler, it takes time but it is always worth it!

[@chajah2102]

Love your video's! So nicely structured and complete, and you manage to pack so much information into relatively short videos. I am here for it!

[@davidmccann9811]

I used to do 5th century Roman reenactment, so this brings back memories. Happy days.

[@sergioacevedo2254]

I love this channel. It's one thing to watch documentaries describing the lives of roman citizens/soldiers, but it's another for the documentary to bring the scenes to life like you guys do!

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks Sergio, glad you like it:)

[@andreluislimaa]

As always, a wonderful video to watch! You guys do know how to make excellent work on both the script and the visuals! Please keep it up the outstanding job!

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks!

[@joshuabaru2908]

Simply stunning. Thank you, for your love, passion and dedication. 🙏❤️

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thank you for your comment Joshua, that helps a lot:)

[@mikemodugno5879]

I love this channel's attention to Roman history specifically. Fantastic job on this video.

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks Mike!

[@Alfstanblackmane]

Absolutely amazing content! Keep on being the best Roman reenactment/documentary channel on KZbin! If I had any money to spare, I'd donate without a second thought.

[@marcotheunissen8359]

I have not seen here such a clear and compact overview (and evolution) about Roman helmets yet, very good job!

[@yannick6389]

What a great video! Nicely structured and very interesting to see the differences through the ages. Keep up the good work gentlemen!

[@froggystyle642]

I was watching your video on food in the last few minutes, thinking I hope you have something else soon. What a surprise! Excellent channel. Don't give up! Love from Scotland.

[@tea_low]

Amazing video! I was quite surprised to hear about the Weisenau helmet. Even though I live in Mainz, I have not heard about it until now!

[@guennibub]

Schöne Grüße aus Mainz Weisenau 🙂. Es ist schon interessant, die Helmtypen in Verbindung mit seinem Heimatort. Sie wurden dort meist aus dem Rhein gefischt.

[@tatarcavalry2342]

You talking about practical uses makes me happy af thank you guys you are the channel hope you the best

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

haha you're welcome, glad you enjoyed!

[@mnk9073]

Awesome video. Still hurts everytime to see the jarring drop from the magnificent imperial helmets to the Mad Max-esque Niederbieber abominations...

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

haha i see what you mean, but i have to admit they're definitely growing on me though

[@cerberus6654]

That was great! Especially the dark haired guy (at the end with all the helmets) so somber, so serious. I mean I used to think Big Blond Guy was funereal but Dark Bearded Guy takes the cake. Keep it coming ya big bloody Batavians!

[@iamcornholiooooo3019]

Everyone loves the big blonde guy. 😸

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

I agree, he is the most handsome one.

[@cerberus6654]

@@ImperiumRomanumYT Maybe the big blond guy do do a post like Relaxing in the Roman Baths? Soaking naked in the steam room, then having those long white legs massaged with warm oil by a cute slave. You know... Educational! Historically accurate!

[@iamcornholiooooo3019]

@@ImperiumRomanumYT Let me know where I can see more of him. (Obviously for research purposes)

[@cerberus6654]

@@iamcornholiooooo3019 Purely scientific interest, of course.

[@ateondeder5725]

The quality of your content amazes me every single time. One day, I hope you guys manage to talk about the evolution of roman siege weapons.

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

We would love to do that, will you buy us a ballista?;)

[@ateondeder5725]

@@ImperiumRomanumYT First thing on my list after I win the lottery!

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

@@ateondeder5725 haha same here!

[@user-py5qq4ht8l]

very nice a well made video, I love the fact your reenactment group has examples of all these types. The guy in the foreground at 14:47 immediately made me think of the adventures of Alex comics I used to read as a kid, especially the helmet gave me a blast of nostalgia.

[@andersandersson5815]

You are doing an excellent job with Roman history and equipment. In fact, one of the best channels on KZbin regarding Roman history. The Romans were, in deed, exceptional craftsman.

[@franciscovieiradebem2700]

I feel compelled to say... Your portuguese at the add was just perfect

[@bryanphillips6088]

It's been 15 years since I've worn one, but I still recognize those Deepeeka Gallic helmets with their three piece welded bowls... ah memories.

[@anselmdanker9519]

Thank you for covering this very interesting topic the Roman Armies helmets.

[@Dionaea_floridensis]

I'm always blown away by your quality!

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks Dionaea!

[@tonybutara9173]

Excellent work! Reading about or even just seeing examples of helmets is of course great, but using living historians to show the different types and functions is such a valuable learning tool. Keep up the great work!

[@martindunn4545]

This was so interesting ! Ihope there are more videos like this planned, I'd be very mich interested in what you'd have to say about Architecture for example. Great work, as usual

[@kirkmarrie8060]

Awesome research! Outstanding presentation! Thank you

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

You are welcome!

[@TheSaracen369]

Thanks for covering the late empire period. So few cover this interesting period. Hope you make more videos on the period; both the empire and the barbarians.

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Much more on that coming up in the relatively near future :)

[@MLCloneCODgamer]

Great stuff! Will the channel be covering Eastern Roman history, and equipment as well, or is the main focus on classical Rome?

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

For now our main focus is on the Western part, but in the future, when we are able to get more funding we expect to expand to more periods. For now however, that is out of reach because of lack of funds.

[@cferolie]

I love your detail and factual content like this one on your platform. Thank you

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

You are welcome!

[@jurjendraaisma9188]

Ow, and can we please see the final result of that tinned cheekplate. Very interested in these results. Well done lads, keep up the good work.

[@Neilos-sd6ti]

This is such a good channel, cant wait for more people to find it.

[@wimsele]

Goed om te zien dat content van deze mooie kwaliteit een keer van Nederlandse bodem komt. Dank heren!!

[@steffenseitter4791]

Little Note: The Niederbieber Type was possible used until c. 320 AD by Cavalry Units. The Term "Comb Helmet" is new to me, I know them as "Ridged Helmet". Miss the destinction of them in the Intercisa, Berkasovo and Burgh Castle Sub Types. Otherwise a very good video. Also nice to note the Romano-Attic Helmet, historicans are debating if this sub type of the Attic Helmet ever existed.

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks Steffen, and yeah the term ridge helmet got lost in translation, so where we say 'comb helmet' we would have been better off to say 'ridge helmet' - but the information itself stands. And about the attic helmet, interesting fact we skipped (video was long enough) is that a couple have been found that sort of resemble them, but they all seem rather front-heavy and impractical, and still hardly look anything as nice as the ones we see on reliefs. Surely there we people who had those helmets custom made, but its doubtful whether they were meant as a practical item.

[@smokingbobs1344]

Always happy to see your videos appear in my feed. Goed werk mannen!

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Bedankt!

[@bobs2663]

I am an ancient history fan and more so toward the Roman, your re-enactment style and efforts are top notch! Keep up the great content!

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks a lot, will do! We got a video ready to go live, but are looking for a sponsor still unfortunately :S

[@fredazcarate4818]

Fantastic mini documentary; I enjoyed it immensely .

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks Fred, glad you enjoyed:)

[@AColonelPanic]

I just visited the museum at Wallsend in Newcastle, Enland. That foritification is quite impressive, especially considering that there were many more like Wallsend all along Hadrian's Wall.

[@glennrussellapura6403]

This video answered my curiosity about Roman helmets. I was so taken by the artistic depiction of the Praetorian guards and old movies that to my surprise real and actual helmets were simple and very utilitarian in design. Gtrat job here!

[@jakeg3733]

This is my new favorite channel dealing with this subject, and there are so many good ones out there. Diligent, detailed, and seeing real people wearing this stuff is just awesome. I hope they do a video dealing with Roman artillery someday, it's a fascinating subject and functional replicas can be made with basic materials

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks Jake! Good to have your input on what you'd like to see, artillery is definitely on our mind. Making it ourselves is a bit far-fetched for our skills, but a scorpio/catapulta is actually reasonably affordable, so who knows some day ...

[@jakeg3733]

@@ImperiumRomanumYT Cool! I had no idea one could actually buy them. Yes, I did some more research and it seems that while the basic principles of torsion devices are simple enough, getting the spring right is very difficult and no one has quite been able to do it. Either poor results or it tears itself apart after a shot or two. But keep up the work, you guys are making awesome videos and the attention to detail is impressive! Hopefully we'll get to see this some day

[@ivofriedburg294]

Well done, I‘ve been an armchair historian for quite some time, but the latest evolutions of the roman helmets were new to me. So thanks for closing this shameful lapse in knowledge 🤓

[@EEWombat]

Always glad to see a new video from you gentlemen!

[@JuliusCaesar888]

Great video, I always was curious about helmet variations.

[@roningham]

With so much focus on Roman swords and armor, its really neat to learn more about the unsung heros, namely the helmet and shield.

[@elguapo1026]

I love ancient military history. Your content is a delight: straightforward and empirical. May your channel find great success. Thanks Imperium Romanum! Roma victrix!

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

We'd like to think that is one of the ways we distinguish ourselves, academic level research and a (more) nuanced discussion of the topic. Great to hear you've noted, thanks Timothy!

[@potaeto2689]

I was watching the video to help me with a college costume project and suddenly I heard "Oi gente!" I was surprised! I know it's a publicity, but as a Portuguese speaker I was happy... I hope you continue studying Portuguese! Your videos are great, much success to everyone who is part of this ♡♡♡

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Haha that's great to hear, I wish i could see the surprise! Also I would have loved to continue speaking some more, but the clip had to be short and to the point of course, but actually i do speak quite a bit of Portuguese :). Thanks for your kind wishes!

[@SteveMrW]

I enjoyed your analysis of the styles and types of Roman helmets.

[@AccountE117]

Informative, interesting and extremely good content as always. Thank you for the video. Keep them coming!

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks Eric, you are welcome!

[@azarah69]

You guys really put in work on these documentaries. Good work!

[@AggelosKyriou]

Excellent! Looking forward on a video about the pilum and armor!

[@arthurmedina3022]

Thank you for this incredible video, I actually enjoyed it a lot. Although I have to say, for the last part of the videos, those helmets I believe were used only by high ranking officers, from Praefectus to Legatus Legionis, and that is why they are so we'll decorated, it isn't really for a battle, it is more for ranking high officers.

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

It's tempting to believe such helmets were for high-ranking officers, but really there's no evidence for something like that. In general of course, it's likely the richer men had more eleborately decorated and expensive helmets, but we can't say much about these kinds of helmets at all. A couple have been found that KIND of resemble them, but they seem heavy and unpractical, and who knows who owned them and what they were used for. There's many theories possible for sure, but the simple answer is that at this point in time there's little we can say about it with certainty. Perhaps we will get to know more about them in the future, we sure hope so!

[@momotheelder7124]

You have to admire Roman design and craftsmanship. Some of these have an almost sci fi look-and of course it is all functional, but in a thinking outside the box kind of way.

[@albinrundberg552]

Another great video, I really enjoy watching your content!

[@thehaus6998]

I like the covering of the helmets, but what bought me, is the fact that you calmly and accuratly denounced the attic, and the art.

[@sergiodemartinez1415]

Fantastic work gentlemen! I've been collecting replica Roman helmets for years and this was so informative! Thank you!!

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Hope you learned something still then haha! Thanks

[@v.g.r.l.4072]

Excellent survey of the topic for someone who likes history without being a historian. Thanks.

[@johanalitalo8331]

Excellent video of the roman helmet. 👏 Are you going to cover moore roman equipment like body armor and shields?

[@deathdeathington]

I had no idea there was such variation over the years. I've never even seen the Comb helmet before.

[@gertjanmoens4188]

Great video, you put in a lot of effort and it shows. Doe zo voort!

[@AMX86]

thank you! this was a well presented overview.

[@michaelciarla3836]

Another great video gentlemen!! 👍👍 I look forward to seeing more. Viva la Roma!!

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks!

[@CoffeeFiend1]

Regarding a lot of the undiscussed helmets that seem to be one of a kind or very obscure with nothing known about them: It is quite possible that at least some of these are merely either prototypes/experimental designs where only a few were made or they were specifically built for individuals. This is especially plausible in the types of the helmets that are effectively modular because they have distinctive connected parts that can be separated like cheek pieces, when presenting them they could have easily showcased them with various sizes and shapes.

[@JAubrey11]

Great content as always - really looking forward to every video upload from your channel! Thanks very much for the best 18 minutes of the day ;-)

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks K. Sevsson, there is more content coming your way soon:)

[@jonnyhughes2708]

Wonderful video. Surely you guys can get a contract to provide living history education to schools and museums!

[@typhoidkroyf471]

Just found this channel and I really enjoy it. Thank You

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Welcome to the team!

[@lakonikos8791]

How can we not think about the Roman Empire if there’s so many quality content available such as this?

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Haha well said! Thanks

[@Stitchwitchstitch]

To me, a general history/military history/art history nerd, the most perfect part of this is in the post-fall stone carving/hollywood helmet bit: “the artist having a blast”- you summed it up perfectly! Plus a military like Rome’s wouldn’t spend extra money paying for more metals and crafting expenses if there’s no recognized, commonly known utilitarian use for the decoration itself! I mean, I’m sure the soldiers found tons of uses for things on the helmet, making it a multi-tool of sorts in the field, “hacking” various things- but that’s not the kind of thing I mean.

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

that's exactly how we view this as well, although ... i have to admit, the possibility of praetorians or officers spending their own salary on some extravagant helmets is always a very real possibility (and we should have given it more mention in the video)

[@Hardrada88]

Ah! Another great video:) this is by far the clearest and most interesting and useful video on the many helmets. There are a lot!! I greatly like the hanging hooks..After a 30mile speed march a helmet becomes rather weighty and warm so being able to hang it for ease of carrying (when orders allow) is superb! Incredible guys! Great job 🫡

[@SuperShinigamiKnight]

The best thing about this video was the pace of talking. Most videos have talks at a pace leaving you wondering where it began and ended.

[@IntyMichael]

Neuwied-Niederbieber is just a few kilometers from here. It was a big castel close to the Limes back in Roman times and some very special founds were made there, like the Draco Standard.

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Interesting history right next door!

[@IntyMichael]

@@ImperiumRomanumYT living in Confluentes makes it easy ;)

[@IndianaDel1]

Great clarification of Roman helmets. Thank you.

[@mg1342mg]

I wish you continued success. It so important to carry facts forward with us as we drown in a sea of anti-intellectualism and stupidity. I had never seen the helmet cover; very interesting!

[@nadezhdachobanova5955]

So, actually they were seasoning their helmets the way I'm seasoning my cast iron kitchenware. Very interesting video. Thank you.

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

You are welcome Nadezhda:)

[@fatalfury66]

I love your channel :) your content is awesome!

[@comet1066]

Really enjoying your channel. Love videos on really specific topics like this

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Great to hear Jeff, thanks!

[@keithagn]

Super interesting video! Very well done. Thank you! Regards from Canada 🇨🇦

[@tituslaronius]

Awesome video, guys!

[@Lollygagger-k4p]

Best content on the web. IMO, the various imperial helemts were the best melee head protection ever devised. Being practical, I think the embossed stampings such as the brows and ridged neck guards were more for stiffening than for show, although they most likely had both in mind. The ear openings, with riveted guards, plus the large brow guard and neck guard, show that they knew how to build something that would deflect blows from above, onto the pteras, where the layered mail or segmentata would absorb the energy. Every item of the panoply was designed to work together as a system. No matter the diversity among the troops, the basic kit was the same, and worn with the same purpose, which was to work with the scutum and gladius, sixteen inches from the man on the left and right.

[@Joebanana6969]

Beautiful way you explain the Roman helmet, love the video

[@farhorizons3901]

Good content. What type of liner or padding did they wear under the helmet? Was it fixed to the inside of the helmet or worn separately like a beanie? Thanks.

[@antonioporello8155]

Bravissimi. Complimenti per la ricostruzione storica. SPQR FORZA ROMA

[@larsrons7937]

Thanks for a *very interesting* video, I've been looking for a detailed summary on Roman helmets for years. I took the freedom to *add the link* in the comments of a few videos on the topic of *Metatron.*

[@lelumpoloneum8647]

Im amazed by the quality of those videos

[@arthurmedina3022]

Thank you for this incredible video, I enjoyed it a lot! For a next video idea, it would be cool that you go over all the legions and paramilitaries of the Roman empire, they armor, armor (or crest colours) because there is many articles wrong about them and they are pretty cool, thank you very much!!

[@ImperiumRomanumYT]

Thanks man! Indeed an overview will surely come somewhere in the future, but - as you can tell by now - we really like to dive deep into the matter, and giving an overview of so many different items would be at the expense of the depth of the research and information we could share. Such an overview would be bound to be super superficial, so instead we'll do the individual items first, and later on zoom out and do some overviews :)