Tell me about Phrygian helms

bhaiduk · Post by **bhaiduk** » Sat May 01, 2010 7:10 pm

Can you tell me about this kind of helm. In particular the "Phrygian Spangen i" Does phrygian refer to the point on the front of the head, or the faceplate? Is this helm by hjalmr the same type? Where and when would it have been worn?

Gerhard von Liebau · Post by **Gerhard von Liebau** » Sat May 01, 2010 7:29 pm

Phrygian refers to the forward-sloping point at the top. It's derived from a Greek style of helmet that is modernly referred to with the same term, and the pointed helms regained popularly in the 12th century due to influence from a "phrygian cap" that remained popular throughout antiquity and into the early Medieval era. This was typically just a simple felt cap that had a similarly pointed top.

-Gregory

bhaiduk · Post by **bhaiduk** » Sat May 01, 2010 8:05 pm

Are they typically spangen type construction? How would one describe this type of faceplate?

Gerhard von Liebau · Post by **Gerhard von Liebau** » Sat May 01, 2010 8:16 pm

There are no surviving Medieval examples of Phrygian helmets, but they are common in late 12th century illustrations, particularly from Norman territories in southern Europe such as Italy and Sicily. I do not believe there are any illustrations that show them as spangenhelms, but rather as one-piece bowls with the pointed top, commonly fluted. The pieces you've cited are made with artistic license and incorporate features, such as the construction methods, that would have been dated by the time phrygian helmets regained their popularity.

Brennainn · Post by **Brennainn** » Mon May 03, 2010 7:09 am

Most faceplates from that era are referred to as shovel faced.
Thanks,
Brennainn