Evidence for legionary vs auxiliary helmet patterns

[Tim Edwards]

I think it is positive that we are moving away from the archetypal 1970s legionary impression as our stock in trade, but I think there is a line where we can overdo diversity.

Matt, if you are moving in circles where the Iron 'Imperial Gallic' helmet is not considered typical legionary issue / legionary issue only for the First Century AD, than I congratulate you on your learned group of friends!

I rather suspect that the average contubernium would have a limited range of suppliers at any point in time, rather than each man having a radically different helmet pattern. Look at the uniformity of the inscribed Adiutrix legion helmets as an example, or the near similar Imp Gallic A's from that med shipwreck.

Some thoughts:

Why do we have a lack of inscribed iron helmets for the First Century?

Do we have any auxiliary infantry inscriptions on any helmet at all?

Why are we seeing iron imperial gallic helmets in Augustan Roman military graves, but seldom ever copper alloy ones?

If the same troop types are using different helmets, why also a radically different cresting style? I can't think of any iron helmets with applied crest knobs, and only one example with side plumes. Similarly, I can't recall any copper alloy helmet with a straight slot mount as its primary crest support.

I'm aware I'm possibly advancing an overly simpistic agenda here, but I'd like to upset the apple cart of convention and see what emerges!
(I admit I personally would be loathe to relinquish my cherished Gallic D in favour of a Coolus!)