Description
Boeotian Helmet: reproduces the shape of the petasos, a broad-brimmed hat much used by riders and travelers, to whom it was inspired. It was among the most widespread in the cavalry of the Hellenistic period, including that of Alexander the Great. According to Christopher Mattew (in “An Invincible Beast: Understanding the Hellenistic Pike Phalanx in Action”) it was in use between 475 and 50 B.C. and on the basis of archaeological finds, while before Alexander the Great its use was confined to eastern Greece, later it spread to Italy, Macedonia, Greece, Asia Minor, Persia and Bactria. Among the few ancient helmets of which we probably know the original name, it is recommended by Xenophon as the most suitable helmet for cavalry. The ara of Domizio Enobarbo testifies its use also among the Roman eques in the Republican period.
Inner dimensions 23 – 20 cm
Height 28 cm
Weight 1.6 kg