Agen: The “First” Ancestral Roman Helmet

Another illustration of Celtic influence on Roman armor is the Agen style. They were in use between around 100 BCE and 100 CE, or the Late Republic and Early Imperial eras of Roman history. Their use of iron as opposed to brass or bronze distinguishes them from other Roman helmets of the time. Other than that, they look pretty much like the Coolus style. The development of iron helmets is credited to the Celts, who were renowned metalworkers in antiquity. Only a few Roman helmets in the Agen design are known to have endured into the present and these are some of the most famous helmets in Ancient Rome.

The cheek guards and steep sides of the Agen type have flattened tops and steep sides. The helmet had a triangular sectioned horizontal rib all the way around the bowl, and it had a narrow brim that flared out in the back to form a neck guard that was embossed with two shallow, semicircular steps. This rib may have increased the helmet's rigidity or even improved ventilation, according to certain theories. A pair of straightforward, recurved, embossed eyebrows were present over the front of the bowl; these would subsequently become a design element common to all helmets. On each side of the helmet, there are two rivets that secure the cheek guards in place.