Late Roman ridge helmet

Roman ridge helmets can be classified into two types of skull construction: bipartite and quadripartite, also referred to as Intercisa-type and Berkasovo-type, respectively.

The second type of helmet has a quadripartite construction, characterized by a four-piece bowl connected by a central ridge, with two plates (connected by a reinforcing band) on each side of the ridge, and a base-ring uniting the elements of the skull at the rim of the helmet; this type is further characterised by large cheekpieces.

[5] There are notable exceptions to this classification method, which include the Iatrus and Worms helmets, which have large cheekpieces and a base ring respectively.

[7] The amount of silver and gold used in the sheathing was officially graded by rank and was sometimes inscribed on the helmet.

[10] For a number of extant helmets, all that remains is the decorative silver or gold sheathing, the iron having corroded away entirely.

A similar helmet found at Augst has three slots in its ridge for the attachment of a separate crest.

[14] Late Roman ridge helmets are depicted for the first time on coins of Constantine the Great and are believed to have come into use between 270 and 300 AD.

Roman ridge helmet (Berkasovo I), early 4th century AD. Made of iron and sheathed in silver-gilt, it is decorated with glass gems. From the " Berkasovo treasure", Museum of Vojvodina , Novi Sad ( Serbia ).
Augsburg-Pfersee Ridge Helmet (Intercisa-type), mid-4th century. This example shows the silver and/or gold sheathing found on most Roman ridge helmets (the helmet would have had cheekpieces – now missing).
Late Roman ridge helmet (Berkasovo-type), found at Deurne, Netherlands . It is covered in silver-gilt sheathing and is inscribed to a cavalryman of the equites stablesiani .
Silver missorium (heavily worn) believed to depict Valentinian I. The emperor is flanked by guardsmen, all but one wearing upright, 'fore and aft', crests on their helmets, ca. 364-375