The "Illyrian" type helmet originated in ancient Greece from the Peloponnese in around the 7th century BC. It was a type of bronze helmet which in its later styles covered the entire head and neck, and was open faced in all of its varieties. The helmet was misnamed as an "Illyrian" type due to a large number of early finds coming from Illyria.

Physical evidence

Apparently (judging from archaeological evidence) the helmet was an evolution of the Kegelhelm or Kegel type of the archaic era found in Argos. The "Illyrian" type helmet did not obstruct the wearer's critical senses of vision though the first two varieties hampered hearing. There were four types of these helmets and all were open faced. Type I (ca. 650 BC) left the neck unprotected and hampered hearing. Type II (ca. 600 BC) offered neck protection and again hampered hearing. Type III (ca. 550 BC) offered neck protection and allowed better hearing. Type IV (ca. 500 BC) was similar to Type III but hearing was not impaired at all.The primitive Corinthian helmet's design was effected to a small degree to by that of Type I and they were used simultaneously. Peltasts and cavalry found great use of this helm. The Illyrian type helmet was used by the ancient Greeks, Scythians and became popular with Illyrians who later adopted it. The helmet became obsolete in most parts of Greece in the early 5th century BC. However, its use endured in Illyria perhaps as late as the 2nd century BC.

References

Sources

• Sekunda, Nick. The Spartan Army. Osprey Publishing, 1998. ISBN 1855326590.
• Snodgrass, Anthony M. Arms and Armor of the Greeks. John Hopkins University Press, 1998. ISBN 0801860733
• Connolly, Peter. Greece & Rome at War. Greenhill, 1998. ISBN 185367303X
• Cernenko, E. V. Scythians 700-300 B.C. Osprey Publishing, 1983. ISBN 0850454786

External links

• Hixenbaugh Ancient Art - Greek Bronze Helmet: Illyrian Type
• Type I helm