How to tie a Roman Helmet?

[Paullus Scipio]

Matt C. H. wrote:-

My bigggest concern is that while I am moving my head around, that the helmet stays in place, which for the most part it does. However is it possible to keep the helmet stable while say looking at the ground. I use a cut up, and folded up shirt as arming cap, but is there anything else I can do to make the helmet more stable while I am moving around?

Matt A. wrote:-

Generally there is a ring or pair of rings under the neckguard, in the middle, and the chin ties hang from that. Bring them forward alongside the neck, cross them under your chin, and stick them through the loops on the cheekpieces, then tie under the chin. Very stable.

I expect by now you have discovered that this method, when combined with a separate padded skull cap ( which seems to have been one of the most popular 'helmet linings' in all ancient and mediaeval times) provides a secure helmet fastening, so that even sword-blows won't dislodge it - which is as it should be.mile:

Since I live in a hot climate ( similar to the mediterranean), I also line my cheekpieces with felt liners( there is Roman evidence for this) glued in. In my case it prevents sun-heated cheekpieces from burning one's cheeks but also works against freezing cold cheek-pieces! If lightly glued, they can be removed and changed/replaced from time to time.

The scotch-brite scrubbers mentioned previously, sometimes augmented by fine steel wool for the crevices, and a coating of Lanolin ( see previous post - BTW, it has none of the problems - smell, stickiness etc - of other oils....) are all that is required for maintenance, even near the sea.......