How Much Protection did Helmets Provide

[Virilis]

Not to draw too much away from the original topic, but I wonder if the Later period helmets in their shiny gold and/or silver surfaces helped with the heat, by at least reflecting the stuff from outside away

Yes, I have thought about this too. In addition how about in very cold conditions? There must have been thick insulation / padding on the helmets when serving in the winter conditions. A metal thing in your head in frosty conditions doesn' t sound very nice :wink: ...