Medieval helmets, made from metal or leather, evolved from simple designs like the spangenhelm in the 10th century to more sophisticated forms such as the armet by the 15th century. These helmets focused primarily on head protection and saw peak popularity among knights in the 11th century, although their weight could be a disadvantage in battle. Various types of helmets, including the conical and great helm, were developed for better protection, but they were often only worn by wealthier knights during raids or tournaments.

1. Popular Types of Medieval Helmets
Medieval helmets were metal or leather helmets which both men and women wore during the
Middle Ages. They first developed in the 10th century with a small cylindrical skullcap, but these
soon evolved into more sophisticated designs such as the coif, which was sometimes reinforced
with plates. The best helmets had an excellent overall shape and could be relied on to offer
protection against weapons in battle.

2. Types of Medieval Helmets:
Medieval armor was worn in many different shapes and sizes. Some popular forms of medieval
armor were helmets, shields, breastplates, greaves, vambraces, and gauntlets. In particular, the
helmet was more a form of head protection rather than an item of personal adornment. There
were different types of helmets from around the 12th century until 1542 when the field piece
helmet gave way to the full helm.
 Spangenhelm:
The earliest type of helmet was called the spangenhelm. It was made from several layers of sharp-
edged metal, sewn together, and then riveted to leather or felt lining. A strong piece of leather
was placed around the lower part to protect the neck. The spangenhelm gave way to the Barbuda
which had only one or two small openings for sight and ventilation.
By about 1330, these helmets began to be made from a single piece known as a skull-cap helm
which had often been decorated with engravings or patterns, such as fire, butterflies, and other
insects. These would sometimes depict religious themes such as St George slaying dragons.
 Conical Helmets:
The conical helmet appeared in the 14th century and was the most important type of helmet. It
was made from a series of linked rings that overlapped on the outside of the head and provided
better protection for the neck. These helmets had a good fit but tended to be uncomfortable for a
long time due to the fact that there was no padding underneath.
 Round or Mail Cap:
The round or mail cap was made from circles of steel wire, linked together by means of rivets.
Around 1360, a form of cap called a sallet began to appear which had been more popular with
knights during this period. The sallets had a lower part made from a single piece of metal, which
was original of brass or bronze. However, by the end of the 14th century, they were made entirely
from iron.
 Armet:
The armet, which first appeared in Italy in the 15th century was a form of a helmet with a visor
fixed to its shell. It was named after the armet but didn't bear any resemblance to it until about
1530 when the two were combined into one item.
About 1410 another helmet emerged called a cabasset which didn't have a visor and had more
slits for ventilation like earlier helms. It resembles a skull-cap helm with more holes for ventilation
and sight.
 Helmets in Military:
By the end of the 16th century, some of these forms were becoming obsolete and military
practicality dictated that there were many different kinds of medieval helmets to choose from.
These included the bascinet which had a smaller hole for ventilation and was covered in iron
scales.

3. By about 1550, a helmet known as a great helm had appeared, which was made from iron plates
that were riveted onto leather padding underneath. This form was often worn with a visor attached
to its upper side.
Other forms such as the cordoba headpiece and morion which first appeared in Italy probably
around 1570 had more complex designs but still retained some of their earlier forms such as neck
protection being made from separate pieces.
The Popularity of Medieval Helmets:
The popularity of medieval helmets peaked in Western Europe during the 11th century, when it
became customary for knights to wear them into battle. By then, helmets were made out of more
durable steel - this allowed them to withstand blows from swords and axes much better than
before, but they still had no use as protection against arrows or crossbows.
In fact, due to the significant added weight of a steel helmet, it could end up becoming a
disadvantage in battle. Since only plate armor covered the body back then, they were exposed to
attacks from all sides.
According to one historian, an English knight by the name of John de Warbstok was killed during
a skirmish at Lincoln in 1322 when an arrow slammed right into his helmet's visor and pierced
through his eye socket. In medieval times, helmets were rarely worn outside of battle - but when
they were worn on raids or during tournaments, they would only be worn by knights who could
afford them.