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Hey, I was wondering if you guys new anything about the use of face masks in battle by ancient armies. (mostly Gaelic, Roman, and Parthian) I have read sources saying that they were used only for parades, and others saying that the same ones were used in combat. Does anyone have any information on this, or know some good resources where more information can be gained?
Thanks,
Vuk
You wouldn't be a patron of Gitpg by any chance. A similar question was asked there just recently:
The full question is the last post on the page before it.
lol, no, I am not, but I will give it a read. Thank you!
I would doubt they were used widely given that they would reduce facial mobility and your field of vision.
Roman sources also attest to at least some Sassanid cataphracts/clibanarii wearing full-face masks into battle, and not dissimilar face defences were fairly widespread among the various Eurasian steppe peoples (and their immediate neighbours) well into the Middle Ages.
It's not like the more complete Medieval and Early Modern European helmets were big on peripheral vision or air circulation either, which is a major reason the visors tended to get raised whenever not immediately needed for combat.