RomanArmyTalk

Salvete Omnes!

Here is a pic attached of my new Heteny-style helmet (of which I am quite satisfied with). My solution for the padding is a lamb skin "hat" (which is still commonly used here in Finland under the ski-doo helmets etc.). This kind of padding which extends to the cheeks also makes the helmet sit very nicely / tightly on your head. This hat also reminds some real examples like the arming cap found fro Dura Europos and the Didymos hat from Egypt. These "arming caps are quite inexpensive here, I have just taken off the modern parts like rivets etc. (http://www.hanskaheikki.fi/product_details.php?p=288) What do you think?

Here is the "Dura arming cap".: http://users.stlcc.edu/mfuller/dura/Dura...apWorn.jpg

I think that's a rather brilliant solution. The fleece would also have a cushioning effect. Pm sent.

I rather enjoyed Comitatus' reconstruction of an Arming cap:

[SPOILER][/SPOILER]

I must say though, that's a good Idea. I honestly just throw a piece of linen between the top of my head and my Gallic helmet. My Intercisa fits pretty snug and the entire inside is lined with leather, so I don't need an arming cap.

Here is another picture of the arming cap from the 3rd Century. Perfect for wearing under a helmet. But perhaps worn with the earlier helmets which had no leather/padded lining (like those prior to the 4th Century).
[attachment=8777]ArmingCap-Dura.JPG[/attachment]

Thanks Markus for the picture! I must say that I think these kind of arming caps are even more suitabe for the more enclosed late roman helmets. They had leather etc. edgings at various places but that doesn't necessarily mean they didn't have removable lining.

My Intercisa is completely lined with leather.

Quote:My Intercisa is completely lined with leather.

I think most of the helmets had some kind of cushioning: to prevent blunt trauma and making the helmet sit more tightly during rapid movements. In addition if you wear a helmet with little cushioning for an extended period, even smooth surfaces of the bowl will start to ache the part of your head which is in contact with the helmet.

I love the arming cap design and it seems to fit the period really well based on the examples you have provided. I have a leather-edged Berkasovo-style helmet and while the leather takes the edge off, it certainly needs an arming cap underneath. I use an old second-hand sheepskin hat sometimes stuffed with an old sock at the apex for that extra cushioning against mace blows!

Francis, I am sometimes using a sock too! :grin:

"but that doesn't necessarily mean they didn't have removable lining. "

I suspect most, if not all of them did. Famously, as I am sure we all know, Ammianus wore a cap of some sort under his helmet which was clearly made of a material that was capable of absorbing a good deal of water. There is nothing in his language to suggest that this cap was in any way unusual. I think the Dura arming cap might well be exactly the sort of item Ammianus was referring to.

Crispvs

Quote:Here is the "Dura arming cap

I want one too...

You know, looking at that arming cap, it kind of looks like those hats modern artists depict the Huns wearing.