04-20-2008, 05:26 PM
It is perfectly practical. There are many examples of very elaborate helmets or armour that were used in battle. in fact, I do not really believe in 'parade weapons' or 'parade armour' in Antiquity. Only pieces of equipment that are NOT usable as weapons (i.e. miniature weapons, or extremely thin bronze shields without backing that appear in sanctuaries in Italy for example) can be considered ceremonial or ritual.