H.R.Robinson Helmet Typology

[jho]

I agree that the Robinson typology is outdated and wrong in may aspects.

The "continental" system has the advantage that the subtypes are so broadly defined as not to need constant updating with new finds and also appear to correctly reflect chronology (montefortino > hagenau, weisenau > niederbieber).

However, being so broad, it gives little room for differentiation and a more detailed system may still be useful. Developing such a more detailed typology will, however, be a daunting task because the number of specimens is still small and it is still very much unclear whic specific features (size and slope of neck guard? style of eyebrows? crest attachment?) may also imply a chronological relationship.

Given that such diverse helmets as the

Imperial Gallic A from Nijmegen with its crude "Gallic" eyebrows,

the beautiful well developed Imperial Gallic from Oberaden (not sure what Robinson type this would be assigned to), and the

ugly Imperial Gallic with a large strongly sloping neck guard from Tenedo/Zurzach (no Robinson type either)

are all firmly to the decade before and after the birth of Christ and therefore broadly contemporaneous, an attempt to assign a date based on typology appears bound to fail.