The Italo-Corinthian helmet developed a distinctive silhouette after Italian warriors took to wearing the classical Corinthian helmet pushed up on the forehead, even in the thick of battle, for a clearer view and better hearing. This eventually transformed the once face-covering visor into a purely decorative feature, while the helmet itself came to be worn more like a cap than a fully enclosing helm. This brass construction reflects one of several metal choices available for the type, alongside iron and bronze.
The Italo-Corinthian helmet — also called Pseudo-Corinthian, Apulo-Corinthian, or Etrusco-Corinthian — developed from the habit of Italian warriors of pushing their Corinthian helmets up onto the forehead even once battle began, for better vision and hearing. Over time the face-covering visor evolved into a purely decorative 'pseudo-visor,' worn cap-style rather than pulled down over the face, while the classical enclosed Corinthian helmet itself fell out of favour among the Greeks. This adapted form proved remarkably durable, remaining in use — including by the Roman army — into the 1st century AD, centuries after its Greek original had been abandoned.
Part of our Greek heritage range.
Use for:
- Greek hoplite and phalanx living history
- Museum-style display on a stand
- Greek-themed home decor and collections
- Historical events and ancient Greek markets
- Film and theatre productions set in Classical Greece
- Collectors of ancient Greek military equipment
