Spangenhelme type helmet from the Mardjani Foundation collection

Abstract

The article publishes a helmet from the collection of the Mardjani Foundation. This specimen belongs to the group of so-called “spangenhelme” helmets, which date from the 6th — 7th centuries. At the same time, the published specimen is unique and has some features that distinguish it from this group of helmets. It combines design elements from both Byzantine and Sassanian armament traditions. The helmet decoration contains symbols of the Christian tradition, which act as an apotropaion for the helmet’s owner. Although the place and circumstances of the discovery of the helmet are unknown, based on a mixture of elements of the Byzantine and Sassanian traditions of decorating helmets, it can be assumed that the helmet was made in the Caucasus, in the territory where the influence was equally strong from both Byzantium and Sassanid Persia.

Keywords

• helmets
• armor
• defensive armament
• spangenhelme
• byzantine empire
• sassanid persia