great helm

The great helm of the High Middle Ages arose in the late 12th century in the context of the crusades and remained in use until the 14th century.

In its simplest form, the great helm was a flat-topped cylinder of steel that completely covered the head and had small openings for the eyes and mouth. As great helm design improved the helmets gained more of a curved design to lessen the impact of blows. Great helms are sometimes referred to as crusader helmets, because of their extensive use in the crusades. Great helms were used by knights and heavy infantry in most European armies. The great helm offered greater protection than previous helmets but limited the wearer’s vision and was uncomfortable. The basinet that superseded it was either open faced or had a hinged face plate, giving the user full visibility when needed.