Roman cavalry parade helmet in the shape of a woman’s face
The facemask of this Roman cavalry parade helmet is in the shape of a woman’s face, perhaps that of an Amazon warrior. Elite troops participated in cavalry sports events known as hippika gymnasia, which were flamboyant displays of military horsemanship and weapons drill. They served both as training sessions and to entertain the troops. The most colorful events were mock battles among the élite riders of the unit, often in the guise of Greeks and Amazons, a common motif in Classical art.
Bronze
From Nola, Italy
100-200 CE
British Museum, London (1824,0407.10)
Roman cavalry parade helmet in the shape of a woman’s face
The facemask of this Roman cavalry parade helmet is in the shape of a woman’s face, perhaps that of an Amazon warrior. Elite troops participated in cavalry sports events known as hippika gymnasia, which were flamboyant displays of military horsemanship and weapons drill. They served both as training sessions and to entertain the troops. The most colorful events were mock battles among the élite riders of the unit, often in the guise of Greeks and Amazons, a common motif in Classical art.
Bronze
From Nola, Italy
100-200 CE
British Museum, London (1824,0407.10)