The History of Horned Helmets in Medieval Europe

For centuries, horned helmets have fascinated historians and archaeologists alike. While the idea of medieval warriors donning elaborate headgear may seem like a relic of fantasy fiction, archaeological finds from across Europe reveal that horned helmets were indeed worn by various cultures during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest depictions of horned helmets can be found on the Torslunda plates from Sweden, which date back to around 600 CE. These plates feature dancing men wearing horned helmets and carrying spears, providing a glimpse into the fashion and warfare of the time. Similar headgear is also depicted on metal dies from Öland, Sweden, and on decorative plates of the Sutton Hoo helmet.

The Torrs Pony-cap and Horns from Scotland are another intriguing find, as they appear to be a horned champron designed for a horse. This raises questions about the use of horned helmets in medieval warfare and whether they served any practical purpose beyond their aesthetic value.

Germanic soldiers, often identified as 'Cornuti', are shown wearing horned helmets on the Arch of Constantine, which was dedicated in 315 CE. Other Celtic helmets from Eastern Europe feature bird crests, emphasizing the diversity of headgear designs used during this period.

The Gundestrup cauldron, a well-known artifact from ancient Denmark, features a combination of horns and wheels that is reminiscent of other horned helmet finds. Another significant find is the Waterloo Helmet, a Celtic bronze ceremonial helmet with intricate repoussé decoration, which dates back to around 150–50 BCE.

In Sardinia, warriors wearing horned helmets are depicted in numerous bronze figures and giant statues, such as the Mont'e Prama giant statues. These depictions are similar to those of the Shardana warriors, who were possibly members of the same people as the Egyptians.

The Veksø helmets, a pair of bronze horned helmets from the later Bronze Age (dating back to around 1500–1000 BCE), provide further evidence of the use of horned helmets in medieval warfare. Two bronze statuettes from Enkomi, Cyprus, dated to the early 12th century BCE, also feature warriors wearing horned helmets.

In conclusion, while modern depictions of horned helmets may have been exaggerated or distorted for dramatic effect, archaeological finds reveal that they were indeed worn by various cultures during medieval Europe. From dancing men on Torslunda plates to Celtic warriors and Germanic soldiers, the history of horned helmets offers a fascinating glimpse into the fashion and warfare of the past.

Names of medieval helmets