Ancient Spartan Helmet for Historical Authenticity on Halloween}

Do you need new ideas for putting together the ultimate historical armor costume? Considering taking a step back in time – way back – and wearing a costume complete with a Spartan Helmet. (A city in ancient Greece, Sparta held a significant military role in the region during the 7th to 4th centuries BC.)

Spartan society was highly militarized and all Spartan boys were required to attend military schools beginning at age seven and to serve in the military until the age of 30. Once they were assigned to a local brigade at age 20 — generally comprised of 15 to 20 soldiers — they all wore a distinctive uniform which included a Spartan Helmet based on the classic design of Greek Helmets.

These Spartan Helmets were generally one of two styles. One was a helmet that protected the top of the head and the back of the neck, but not the face, which was affixed with a leather chin strap. The other type of spartan helmet consisted boasted full blow protection of the head, with cheek and nasal guards as well. Either two of these Spartan helmets had a large horse hair plume affixed to the top of the helmet.  These could have been black, red, or tan in color.

Now, if you really want to go all out and sport a complete Spartan costume, you should add the famous red cape and leather sandals as well. Another option if you want the hard-core battle ready soldier look would be to have a breastplate, spear, and shield as well as the sandals and spartan helmet.

Sports Advice