Poitiers Helmets

[jho]

In an early publication these helmets were believed to represent Niederbieber helmets with a Intercisa 'fin' crest. They have now been published in

JOUQUAND-THOMAS, LARCELET, MIKS: RÖMISCHE HELME AUS EINEM MITTELKAISERZEITLICHEN SIEDLUNGSKONTEXT IN POITIERS/LEMONUM (DÉP. VIENNE / F), JAHRBUCH DES R.MISCH-GERMANISCHEN ZENTRALMUSEUMS MAINZ, 58. Jahrgang 2011 pp. 594

and quite convincingly identified as Gladiator helmets for secutores:

Three iron helmets have been found in one of several workshops destroyed by fire probably during the 260ies or by the early 270ies at the latest which stretched along an at least 200 m long stretch of the town’s main, north-south running street near the Forum of Poitiers / Lemonum. The causes of the catastrophe remain hitherto unknown (accident, civil arson or destruction in war?). A precise analysis of the iron bowls indicates that they belonged to mid-Imperial gladiatorial helmets, whose shape suggests a use by secutores.
Regards,


Jens Horstkotte
Munich, Germany

[Nathan Ross]

quite convincingly identified as Gladiator helmets for secutores

Ah, what a shame! An intriguing potential avenue for Roman helmet development closes...

Thanks for posting this though, Jens.

[john m roberts]

On the other hand, it means three new gladiatorial helmets. Are any pictures available?

[jho]

The article has many pictures. I cannot post them here but you could PM me your email address.

[john m roberts]

Email address sent. Thanks.