Helmet

a metal cap worn by the warrior as a protection. The origin of helmets is lost in antiquity. The heroes of the Trojan War wore helmets with plumes. The earliest known representations of warriors depict them as wearing some sort of a defensive head covering. Oftentimes this was of heavy leather. The Roman gladiator wore a heavy helmet that protected the head completely. The medieval helmet was provided usually with sliding attachments to protect the neck and sides of the head. When the knight in heavy armor fastened on his headpiece and lowered his visor it was impossible to reach his head with thrust of sword or spear. Nothing larger than a slender knife blade could be inserted through the openings left for sight and hearing. The modern European soldier, especially the soldier of Germany, wears a defensive cap, terminating in a metal point, from which the blow of a sabre will glance off harmless. The fireman's helmet, worn as a protection against water and falling brands, may be regarded as a modification of this ancient piece of armor. See Armor