Ancient Arms & Armor

Photo by Don Eaton

ver the thousand years covered in this gallery, the arsenal of armor and weapons expanded to include defenses for horses and machines that could hurl stones and arrows with tremendous power against fortified defenses. Bronze was replaced by iron as the most commonly used metal for weapons and armor.

This helmet is a reminder of the Roman passion for war games. Large crowds would gather at amphitheaters to watch gladiators fight each other or wild animals and to gamble on the results. Most of these gladiators were captives - slaves or criminals - but a few were free men drawn by the excitement of danger or the prospect of fame.

During the time of its use, this helmet was polished bronze in color and decorated with a brightly dyed horsehair crest. The only other arms allowed to the gladiator who wore it would be shin defenses (greaves), a Greek-style large round shield, and a short sword.

Ancient Arms & Armor
Hunting Gallery
Combat Wing
Arms & Armor Around The World
The Armorer's Craft
Tournament Wing