Weapons

ROMAN Coolus Helmets

Late Roman Republic through Flavian Period

Used from: Ca. 50 BC-AD 100

Used by: Legionary infantry, probably auxiliaries.

The Coolus helmet evidently also derives from Celtic origins, its type find being from the Coolus region in Marne.  Its bowl shape is similar to that of the Montefortino, but tends to have a less bulbous form, less pointed dome, and flatter neck guard.  The crest knob found on many Coolus helmets was applied, rather than formed integrally with the bowl, in contrast to most Montefortino examples.  There are numerous points of common development with that of the Montefortino.  This helmet, descended from Celtic styles, was first used by the Romans during the late Republic and was one of the most recognizable helmets associated with the conquest and expansion of the Roman Empire.  The Coolus was made predominantly of bronze (and later, brass, after Autustus’ changes in the mint system that affected military production), with one known example of iron. 

The Coolus models A and B are difficult to identify as specifically Roman, as opposed to Celtic.  As yet, Deepeeka does not offer reproductions of these models of helmet.  But the model C most certainly bears the marks of Roman craftsmanship and the spirit of conquest that pervaded the Imperatorial Period.

AH6055N - Deepeeka Coolus C      

Used from: Ca. 50 BC - AD 50

Price: $288

Authenticity Rating: 8.75

The Deepeeka Coolus C (AH6055N) is a fine example of a helmet from the late Caesarian-Augustan period, perhaps worn by Augustus’ forces that vanquished his former ally Mark Antony, and equally available to the Legions that remained loyal to the latter, Cleopatra’s lover. Like the rest of Deepeeka's line of Coolus helmets, its design has recently been uprated considerably to make it more accurate to known original specimens. There remain a few differences with the originals: The material is brass, instead of bronze; neck guard is welded to the skull, although the seam is generally well disguised, and the attachment of the crest mount differs from the original. Consequently, we rate it an 8.75 on the accuracy scale.

Used: First half of the 1^st century AD

Price: $260

Authenticity Rating: 10

The Coolus D bears a crest knob, an item absent from the A, B, and C models of Coolus, perhaps in imitation of the Montefortino D style, of which this helmet was probably a contemporary.  It is otherwise quite similar to the E model, and was popular during the first half of the 1^st century AD.  This helmet might have accompanied the troops of Claudius’ invasion force when conquering Britain.  The Deepeeka version of the Coolus D is an excellent reproduction of the original.  We rate it at a 10.

AH6051N - Deepeeka Brass Coolus E

Used from: Ca. AD 20-80

Price: $250

Authenticity Rating: 9

The Coolus E bears side plume holders, an item absent from the A, B, and C models of Coolus.  The neck guard is also angled down slightly, and the cheek guards are more angular and feature an embossed, raised section. It is otherwise quite similar to the C model, and was popular during the first half of the 1^st century AD.  This helmet certainly accompanied the troops of Claudius’ invasion force when conquering Britain.  Most surviving Coolus E models are made of yellow orichalcum, a cuprite alloy very similar to modern brass. The Deepeeka version of the Coolus E was recently "accurized" in consultation with experts from the Roman Army Talk board.  Aside from modern materials and construction techniques, it is a very close replica. We rate it at a 9. 

AH6308N - Deepeeka Coolus G 

Used from: AD 50-110

Price: $270

Authenticity Rating: 9.5

The Coolus G, dating from the third quarter of the 1^st century AD, is the most developed form of Coolus helmet and shows us that helmets were still fashioned out of copper alloys such as brass well into the late first century AD, long after Gallic and Italic styles were already being produced out of iron.  It also shows that the Coolus style, while it originated in much earlier time periods, was still considered effective during the time of the revolts of the post-Neronian and Flavian era. The newly accurized Deepeeka version of the Coolus G (AH6308N) bears an excellent resemblance to the original archaeological examples, and is probably the closest in Deepeeka's line to original examples of this model.