Using Medieval Total War II for Medieval Helmet Research

Whether the common public knows it or not, battle reenactments and stage plays with Roman soldier costumes are a pretty big niche market.  To participate in any of these events, you're going to need a quality helmet that will do the job credibly.  This article will discuss the different types of helmets people use for reenactments and what you should look for in a quality, wearable helmet.

Roman helmets are popular helmets used for Passion plays, costumes, and reenactments.  Fortunately, most Roman helmets are going to be made on the larger side, often times exceeding 23 inches in diameter.  This goes for the Centurion helmet as well as the common trooper helmet.  In fact, most people will need an arming cap or helmet liner to make the fit more snug.  Medieval helmets are going to be a little bit different.  In general, these are made a little smaller than Roman helmets.  But that is always not the case.  For example, you can find some pretty big Crusader helmets that are up to 25 inches or more in diameter.

Creative Assembly's most recent game is Medieval II: Total War.  This is a place where you can get ideas for medieval helmts.  This game was rated very high by many reviewers and gamers, and rightly so, as the game has a lot to offer both in game play and historically.  Gamers can learn a lot about the different types of medieval helmets in this game be paying attention to the graphics and unit types in the game.  Though this is a computer game, you may be surprised to find that it is a great place to do research before purchasing a medieval helmet.

The Crusader helmet, sugar loaf, and similarly constructed helmets are going to be larger in size and will fit most people. However, helmets such as the European Close Helmet and the Viking Horn helmet are going to be about a medium size, so half the people can wear them.  Basically, any helmet that has a close front and a tight neck opening is going to be harder to get on.  But, most helmets are made for reenactors and you can be assured that it is a one size fits most.

There are many types of helmets that you can learn about in Medieval II: Total War as well.  For example, there are many knight medieval helmets that are used in the game.  The crusader helmet, sugar loaf helmet, northern sallet type helmet, and much more.  Even the German maximilian helmet makes an appearance. In the Scandinavian factions, you can see all sorts of Norman nasal helmets.  In the Middle East factions you can see variations of nasal helmets with chainmail covering the back.