r/theROMANLEGION

Features a domed form with a wide, flaring neck-guard, small ear protectors and a ridged browband attached to the perimeter with rivets. Three attachment slots, perhaps plume holders, are secured to the dome above the ears and neck-guard. Winged repoussé ornamentation, or eyebrows, adorn the front part of the dome. A similar winged motif is also present on the neck-guard, which features further hammered ridges at the nape of the neck, a carrying handle and several punched Latin inscriptions.

The helmet’s crown features two mice and segmented circular motifs interpreted as either loaves of bread (panis quadratus) or cheese wheels, a rare and enigmatic motif.

The meaning of the mice and loaves of bread that adorn the back of the bowl is not known; they possibly had a devotional function.

Inscription:

The name Julius Mansuetus is inscribed on the neck guard, indicating it belonged to a soldier, possibly an officer.

Design:

It has hinged cheek pieces, a large neck guard, and an elaborate applique with a perforated brow.

The helmet was made of iron with copper-alloy fittings.

Historical context:

This helmet is a variant of the Weisenau-Niedermörmter type, classified under Imperial Italic H by H.R. Robinson.

It is considered one of the most beautiful Roman helmets due to its intricate craftsmanship.

The construction of this mask, formed from a thin iron core and then covered with tinned brass, resulting in a silvery hue, indicates that it was created for use in battle rather than parades. The iron would have provided additional protection for the soldier. The mask was once attached by means of a hinge at the upper edge to a helmet consisting of a skull-section and two check-pieces and is an early example of Roman Imperial armour.

With a triangular face, pierced nostrils and horizontal slits for the eyes and mouth, it is clear that this mask once belonged to a helmet of Weiler/Koblenz-Bubenheim or Weisenau type. It is of special interest because it is the only known example that preserves a clear inscription, here reading either “Paulus’ horse troop, property of Fuscius” or “Paulus Fuscius’ horse troop.” According to M. Junkelmann (op. cit.), this inscription is the first epigraphical instance which confirms that helmets and masks of this type were worn by members of the cavalry.