Galea Lining

[angus1235]

The short answer is that we really don't know how the Romans lined their helmets.  The longer answer is that there as are a few pieces of evidence we can make use of.

First up is the fact that Roman helmets prior to the fourth century AD do not have rivet holes for the attachment of a lining, indicating that either linings were glued in or separate hats were worn under helmets.

Secondly, some organic matter was found adhering to the inside of a helmet found at Newstead.  The excavators though it might have been felt and discovered that it became sticky when hot water was applied (why they were exposing a recently excavated helmet to hot water is beyond me, but it may have been a useful discovery nonetheless), suggesting that the (possible) felt might have been glued in place, suggesting itself that the organic matter might have been a fragment of a lining.

Next, Ammianus Marcellinus mentions an episode during a battle in the mid fourth century when he and a comrade had come across a well whose bucket had been lost.  Being thirsty and needing water he took off the hat he was wearing under his helmet and, tying it to the rope he lowered it into the well and it absorbed enough water that both men were able to satisfy their thirst, suggesting that the hat was more than a simple hat and may well have contained padding which could then absorb the water.

Lastly, and perhaps supporting Ammianus's statement, the remains of a padded hat in the shape of a phrigian cap were found at Dura (context: mid third century AD) which has extensions which go down over the cheeks, leaving the ears uncovered.  It has been suggested that this hat may have been intended to pad a helmet.

I am sure there must be people here who can post up a picture of the cap from Dura, while I have seen re-enactors wearing thick felt skullcaps under their helmets, extrapolating from the possible felt in the Newstead helmet.


Incidentally, this thread should have been posted in the Re-enactment and Reconstruction section.


Crispvs

Thanks for the informative answer. I'm still a bit wobbly when it comes to forum layouts but I'm getting there :p

Fortunately I'm quite good at sewing so I'll see if I can construct a padded cap or something from an old leather jacket.
I know the type of cap you referred to so we'll see howit goes.