Spangenhelm: The Ribbed Roman Helmet

Although its roots may have been further to the east, this Roman helmet was initially widely used by the Scythians and Sarmatians of the steppe. The Romans became more aware of the Spangenhelm as their interactions with them increased, particularly during Trajan's invasion of Dacia (101-102 & 105-106 CE). Hadrian (117–138 CE) was the first Roman emperor to make use of cataphract cavalry and armor in the Sarmatian style. The Spangenhelm was frequently employed with the Intercisa and Berkasovo kinds by the third and fourth centuries CE. Depending on how the data is interpreted, this style of Roman helmet had an impact on the design and evolution of helmets throughout Eurasia as late as the 6th or 8th Century CE.

A circular disc or plate with a riveted apex typically topped the bowl of the Spangenhelm helmet, which was typically constructed from four to six plates riveted to four to six bands. A T-shaped nasal guard was welded to a brow that had a rim that flared over the eyes. Additionally, there was a neck guard, two sizable cheek guards, and hinges that connected them. Roman helmets of the Spangenhelm style sometimes have rings affixed to the apex that may have been used to fasten ornamental pieces or to facilitate carrying the helmet.