08-20-2006, 10:44 AM
Regarding the Neo-Attic helmet :
Good point, Luca.
I, too, believe Praetorians (at least their tribunes and prefects) wore them, but I also believe legionary tribunes and legates wore them as well.
Does anyone seriously think that Julius Caesar wore a Montefortino helmet ? Or Trajan a Gallic helmet ?
Both men were present on the battlefield but did not personally engage in battles, so I think they wore Neo-Attics as a mark of their rank, to be noticed by their men from a distance.
On monuments I know Emperors and officers are often shown bareheaded but this was surely artistic license taken so that the public could follow the narative of their Caesar on campaign. However, many examples of Emperors shown in military garb including the Attic helmet can be found on their coinage.
Quote: I think that at least officials were wearing them. I explain always this "problem" to the public with the fact that we are dressed for the battle, so "probably" the Attic was not really used, and we appear like usual legionaries, but "very well" equipped.
Good point, Luca.
I, too, believe Praetorians (at least their tribunes and prefects) wore them, but I also believe legionary tribunes and legates wore them as well.
Does anyone seriously think that Julius Caesar wore a Montefortino helmet ? Or Trajan a Gallic helmet ?
Both men were present on the battlefield but did not personally engage in battles, so I think they wore Neo-Attics as a mark of their rank, to be noticed by their men from a distance.
On monuments I know Emperors and officers are often shown bareheaded but this was surely artistic license taken so that the public could follow the narative of their Caesar on campaign. However, many examples of Emperors shown in military garb including the Attic helmet can be found on their coinage.
Jaime
