07-26-2007, 06:52 PM
Quote:Yes, but it's all speculation. That's why I'd like to find out the original words used, and see how accurately we can get the meaning of term. Translations by people unfamiliar with the subject of military equipment can be very misleading.
One thing we do know, though, is that the "visor" could be raised or lowered, which probably cuts out the face mask and the Siculo-Norman types.
By the helmets associated with the klibanophoroi, I take it you mean a mail curtain that covers the face? As I understand it, the association with this type of face protection with klibanophoroi comes from a colour plate in the Osprey Byzantine Armies book, not from any contemporary source. The only Byzantine source for this I know of is in the "Greek Romance of Alexander", whch is 14th century, two to three centuries after Alexios. There are Islamic pictures of similar mail curtains, but as far as I know, nothing else from the Empire.
I still think something of the sort is the most likely possibility, but the evidence is very thin.
The "Kipchak"-style face masks I have seen often have a hinge in the center of the forehead, which suggest that they could be raised or lowered. perhaps what is meant is a helmet of this type?
Example:
I'm also honoured that Dr D'Amato has given some feedback. I'm very impressed with this book, but some of the reconstructions did take me by surprise. I'm glad Dr D'Amato has replied to some queries. I am still curious about the standard bearer who is wearing a muscle cuirass in plate 16, The text decribes it as being "golden leather, a real example of late Roman style." Does this cuirass actually exist, or is based on representational evidence?
Thanks again.
Hisham
Regards,
Hisham
Hisham