
- BYZANTINE MEDIEVAL HELMETS MOVIE
- BYZANTINE MEDIEVAL HELMETS PROFESSIONAL
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Successive civil wars in the 14th century further sapped the Empire's strength and destroyed any remaining chance of recovery, while the weakening of central authority and the devolution of power to provincial leaders meant that the Byzantine army was now composed of a collection of militias, personal entourages and mercenary detachments.

Another period of neglect of the military followed in the reign of Andronikos II Palaiologos, which allowed Anatolia to fall prey to an emerging power, the Ottoman Empire. It proved effective in defending what remained of Byzantine Anatolia and reclaiming much of the Balkans and even Constantinople itself in 1261. The Emperors of Nicaea managed to form a small but effective force using the same structure of light and heavily armed troops, both natives and foreigners. The Komnenian successes were undone by the subsequent Angeloi dynasty, leading to the dissolution of the Empire at the hands of the Fourth Crusade in 1204. Nevertheless, mercenaries remained a staple feature of late Byzantine armies since the loss of Asia Minor reduced the Empire's recruiting-ground, while the abuse of the pronoia grants led to a progressive feudalism in the Empire. The Komnenian emperors made great efforts to re-establish a native army, instituting the pronoia system of land grants in exchange for military service.
BYZANTINE MEDIEVAL HELMETS PROFESSIONAL
With one of the most powerful economies in the world at the time, the Empire had the resources to put to the field a powerful host when needed, in order to reclaim its long-lost territories.Īfter the collapse of the theme-system in the 11th century, the Byzantines grew increasingly reliant on professional Tagmata troops, including ever-increasing numbers of foreign mercenaries. The army they led was less reliant on the militia of the themes it was by now a largely professional force, with a strong and well-drilled infantry at its core and augmented by a revived heavy cavalry arm.
BYZANTINE MEDIEVAL HELMETS SERIES
From the mid-9th century, however, they gradually went on the offensive, culminating in the great conquests of the 10th century under a series of soldier-emperors such as Nikephoros II Phokas, John Tzimiskes and Basil II.

Restricted to a largely defensive role in the 7th to mid-9th centuries, the Byzantines developed the theme-system to counter the more powerful Caliphate. Since much of the Byzantine military focused on the strategy and skill of generals utilizing militia troops, heavy infantry were recruited from Frankish and later Varangian mercenaries.įrom the 7th to the 12th centuries, the Byzantine army was among the most powerful and effective military forces in the world – neither Middle Ages Europe nor (following its early successes) the fracturing Caliphate could match the strategies and the efficiency of the Byzantine army. Huns, Cumans, Alans and (following the Battle of Manzikert) Turks, meeting the Empire's demand for light cavalry mercenaries. Later reforms reflected some Germanic and Asian influences – rival forces frequently became sources of mercenary units e.g. Over time the cavalry arm became more prominent in the Byzantine army as the legion system disappeared in the early 7th century. It was among the most effective armies of western Eurasia for much of the Middle Ages. A direct continuation of the Eastern Roman army, shaping and developing itself on the legacy of the late Hellenistic armies, it maintained a similar level of discipline, strategic prowess and organization. Our helmets gallery also features medieval French, English, Viking, and Italian helmets.The Byzantine army was the primary military body of the Byzantine armed forces, serving alongside the Byzantine navy. The original one is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy. This piece is made of 100% bronze, by a 1 on 1 direct contact with the original object and therefore it guarantees the highest possible authenticity of the reproduction.

Most impressive is certainly the Pompeii gladiator helmet which is exact replica (not scaled or miniature) of the actual helmet found in Pompeii. Of the Roman helmets we offer both the Roman army helmets (such as those worn by the Centurions) and various Gladiator helmets. In purchasing such item, you are buying a piece of both ancient and Hollywood history. This item is made from the same mold as the one made specifically for the movie.
BYZANTINE MEDIEVAL HELMETS MOVIE
We also carry reproduction of the helmet of Alexander the Great, used in the movie “Alexander” by Oliver Stone, and worn by actor Colin Farrell who played the role of Alexander the Great. Among the ancient bronze Greek helmets are Cretan, Corinthian, Thessalian, Athenian Attic and Spartan. They are made of bronze, bonded bronze, steel, and resin.

Below are reproductions of ancient Greek, Macedonian, Roman, and Medieval helmets.
