Horned helmet

Horned helmets were special headpieces worn by many people around the world. These helmets often had real animal horns or horn-like shapes attached to them. People started wearing such headpieces a very long time ago, even back in ancient history, like the ones found at Star Carr Frontlets from the Mesolithic period.

These horned helmets were likely used for important ceremonial or ritual events. This is because horns could be tricky to use in actual battles or combat, making them more suited for special occasions rather than fighting. Most of what we know about these helmets comes from pictures and drawings, rather than the actual helmets themselves, which makes learning about them even more interesting.

Prehistoric Middle East & Cyprus

Horned hats were worn by important people and gods in Mesopotamia and Cyprus. Kings, like King Naram-Sin shown on the Victory Stele of Naram-Sin, also wore these hats. More horns meant the person was even more important.

Europe

Prehistoric Europe

Further information: Horned deity and Ancient warfare

People in ancient times wore special helmets with horns on them. These helmets were found in places like Enkomi, Cyprus, and Sardinia. Warriors in Sardinia often had these horned helmets, just like warriors from Shardana shown by the Egyptians.

We also have found bronze helmets with horns from places like Denmark, such as the Veksø helmets from around 1100-900 BC. Another old helmet is the Waterloo Helmet from around 150–50 BC, found in the River Thames in London. This helmet had straight, cone-shaped horns instead of real animal horns.

European Migration Period

During a time called the Migration Period, soldiers often wore helmets with horns. Pictures of these soldiers, called "Cornuti", appear on old structures like the Arch of Constantine. These helmets were not just for looks; they had special designs that looked like snakes or dragons.

We also see pictures of warriors with horned helmets from places like Sutton Hoo in England and Torslunda in Sweden. These helmets were part of important decorations and might have had magical meanings.

European Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, knights sometimes wore very fancy helmets for tournaments, which are friendly competitions. These helmets had large, decorative horns or wings. Even though these helmets might not have been practical for real battles, people still liked to use them to look impressive.

Some old drawings and coats of arms from this time show knights with horned helmets. For example, the coat of arms of King Valdemar the Restorer of Denmark had horns on his helmet. These helmets were a way to show status and belong to a special group.

In Asia

In Japan before the Meiji Restoration, some Samurai armor included helmets with horns, plumes, or crests. These horns helped identify military leaders on the battlefield and could be made from metal or real water buffalo horns.

Indo-Persian warriors often wore helmets with horns or spikes to scare their enemies. These cone-shaped helmets, called "devil masks," were made from plated mail and usually had engraved eyes on them.

Popular association with Vikings

Main article: Fantasy Viking § Horned helmets

Many people think of Viking warriors wearing helmets with horns, especially in movies and books. But this idea started in the 1800s from plays by Richard Wagner. Real stories and old writings from Viking times talk about helmets, but they never mention horns. The few helmets found from that time don’t have horns either. Historians think that if horns were ever used on helmets, it was only for special ceremonies and not common wear. Even though experts have shown this for a long time, the image of horned helmets is still popular because it looks exciting.