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What an absolute gleaming, glinting beauty! This bronze Montefortino style Roman legionary helmet has been discovered in unbelievably fine condition on the seabed off Sicily. It dates to the Battle of Aegates in 241 BC, during the First Punic War.It is a striking reminder of how differently Rome’s armies were kitted out at different periods. I know that should be blindingly obvious to anyone who thinks about the longevity of Rome’s supremacy (as Republic and Empire) but there is an image of a Roman legionary, in the popular imagination, wearing the kit of Imperial Rome that seems almost indelible.This utility bronze helmet, deriving from a Celtic type, was in use by the Roman army for around four hundred years. Four hundred years during which Rome grew into a mega-power. Yet how many of us visualize those soldiers who made Rome what it was, marching in these simple bowls?Any Roman re-enactors following this page, do please share images of legionaries in this style with all the correct kit to accompany it. Finally – in case you missed it and have the need to think about Rome several times a day – do read my essay about gladiator armour (my new theory) over on ‘Loades of History’ on Substack – It’s free! ... See MoreSee Less

This is one of those 'list' articles on the estimable 'medievialsist.net' site but it is one I find particularly interesting. It highlights the perils of medieval hunting practices. One that I hadn't heard of before is the death of Valdemar the Young of Denmark in 1231. It says he was accidentally killed by a stray arrow while hunting. Was it an accident or a William Rufus situation? Danish readers please share your opinions - also was it an arrow (longbow0 or bolt (crossbow) ?Also, perhaps more famously and more consequentially, was Marie of Burgundy, who died after a fall from her horse while hunting in 1482. The daughter of Charles the Bold, her death had major political ramifications, as her lands were divided between her widower, Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, and King Louis XI of France.Who else would you add to this list - not just kings but other notable personages.www.medievalists.net/2025/08/ten-medieval-kings-who-died-while-hunting/ ... See MoreSee Less

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