There is a huge variety of armor used in different parts of the world throughout the history of humanity. This time, we’ll look at medieval armor (more accurately, helmets) that were widely in use in Kyivan Rus’ and Scandinavia in the 10th-13th century. They are rather comfy helmets with a chain mail curtain that protects the face and neck. This kind of armor is so effective and convenient that historical reenactors still make and use it today.
The helmets popular in Kyivan Rus’ and Scandinavia in the 10th-13th century had a great design. They consisted of a conical metal skull with an aventail or camail attached to it. The aventail is a flexible curtain of mail that covered the lower part of the face, throat, neck, and shoulders. Sometimes, the mail was attached at the back and covered only the nape and back of the neck. The helmet with aventail protected the head, being flexible and allowing the freedom of movement at the same time – a perfect combination.
The upper part of the face was usually protected by a special plate. It had two holes for the eyes (or a specifically attached guard around the eyes) and a nose guard. The shape of a helmet could be either rounded and egg-shaped or peaked, with a sharp spike on top.
A lot of the helmets used by ordinary warriors were simple and practical, without any adornments. Their main function was protection. But the royals, chieftains, and wealthier warriors often wore ornate helmets, with patterns, engravings, gold or silver gilding, plume, etc. They not only protected the head but also showed the status of a wearer.
Here you are a few pictures of modern replicas of medieval Slavic and Viking helmets.
Peaked helmet of a Kyivan Rus’ warrior, the 10th century (replica)
Viking helmet with guard around the eyes and nose guard, the 10th century (replica)
Peaked helmet with nose guard and simple camail curtain, the late 10th – early 11th century (replica)
Modern replica of medieval helmet with detachable aventail. It even has the eyebrows and shaped nose guard. This helmet is used for historical reconstruction battles
Historical reconstruction battle. Here you can see why aventail is so handy and how it moves during the battle
Helmet with aventail and other armor of Kyivan Rus’ warrior, circa the 13th century (replica). Front and back view
