10-07-2007, 01:43 PM
Hello!
For some years I'm working on a database regarding all known Ancient helmets - a huge project you can imagine, and far from complete (will never be, I fear...)
The main problems have been:
- Different nomenclature of types by English and German speaking scholars (for example the Hellenistic Attic type is often called Thracian in English literature, sometimes also the Phrygian and what is called Attic in English is known to German scholars as Italic-Chalkidian type and so on).
- A lot of mix-types with features of different main types (mainly in the Hellenistic section. For example the Phrygian-Boiotan, Attic-Boiotian Pilos, Phrygian-Chalkidian etc.)
- What can be called a "Greek helmet"?
The Italic-Chalkidian ("Attic") helmet is only found in Italy (there is also a Spanish variant) but is a clear descendant of the Greek Chalkidian helmet. The Apulo-Corinthian and Corinthian of Picenian form are also closely related to the Corinthian.
The earliest greek helmets have their origin in the Urnfield-culture resp. the Near East.
- For the main types of the late geometrical to early classical period there are already useable typologies but there is still no overview. The existing typologies have to be modiefied in some cases.
- Making photos of the helmets is the biggest problem. It is forbidden more frequently to take pictures in museums as I came to know in Athens last week. Apart from this, many of the finds are not exhibited for the public.
- the huge amount of material to be considered.
My lists consist of c. 1000 of c. 1300 helmets and fragments of "Greek" helmets.
Some of the problems have already been mentioned before, but these are my personal experiences.
If the project will come to life one day, I would be glad to share my informations.
Greets,
Decebalus/Andreas Gagelmann
For some years I'm working on a database regarding all known Ancient helmets - a huge project you can imagine, and far from complete (will never be, I fear...)
The main problems have been:
- Different nomenclature of types by English and German speaking scholars (for example the Hellenistic Attic type is often called Thracian in English literature, sometimes also the Phrygian and what is called Attic in English is known to German scholars as Italic-Chalkidian type and so on).
- A lot of mix-types with features of different main types (mainly in the Hellenistic section. For example the Phrygian-Boiotan, Attic-Boiotian Pilos, Phrygian-Chalkidian etc.)
- What can be called a "Greek helmet"?
The Italic-Chalkidian ("Attic") helmet is only found in Italy (there is also a Spanish variant) but is a clear descendant of the Greek Chalkidian helmet. The Apulo-Corinthian and Corinthian of Picenian form are also closely related to the Corinthian.
The earliest greek helmets have their origin in the Urnfield-culture resp. the Near East.
- For the main types of the late geometrical to early classical period there are already useable typologies but there is still no overview. The existing typologies have to be modiefied in some cases.
- Making photos of the helmets is the biggest problem. It is forbidden more frequently to take pictures in museums as I came to know in Athens last week. Apart from this, many of the finds are not exhibited for the public.
- the huge amount of material to be considered.
My lists consist of c. 1000 of c. 1300 helmets and fragments of "Greek" helmets.
Some of the problems have already been mentioned before, but these are my personal experiences.
If the project will come to life one day, I would be glad to share my informations.
Greets,
Decebalus/Andreas Gagelmann
Andreas Gagelmann
Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany