A smiling mask would be equally disturbing. Imagine an enemy cavalry man with a happy looking metallic face hacking at your comrades on its way to you.
@Swedishmafia101MemeCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Imagine if modern militaries used masks like that lol. They would probably all depict some kind of emoji.
@mrsnezbit2219
3 жыл бұрын
Like that german medieval helmet with a smiley face
@MALICEM12
3 жыл бұрын
Now I'm just thinking of the photoshopped smiling face for Balthazar Gelt
@imurt3417
3 жыл бұрын
@@MALICEM12 WELCOME TO ESTALIA GENTLEMEN
@seansaul5260
3 жыл бұрын
Went to a fencing competition once were this guy had the yellow smiling face from Watchmen painted over his helmet. You'd think it would be funny fighting him but it was more terrifying than anything. With fencing helmets you can normally see peoples face and expressions but something about the yellow and the image made his face almost impossible to see making him more unpredictable. Despite the horror factor it was a cool helmet.
@Cato229
3 жыл бұрын
"It's ceremonial." The perfect response when the teacher asks you a question about your book report and you didn't read the book.
@andyking957
3 жыл бұрын
its the standard answer of most historians if they do not like do say "I do not know the use at all." - It's "ceremonial" sounds much more sophisticated.
@italianwaffle5592
3 жыл бұрын
@@andyking957 I mean, I guess it's relatively okay to assume considering most fancy shit that looks cool historically WAS ceremonial.
@markhorton3994
3 жыл бұрын
@@italianwaffle5592 Actually most of it was ornamental.
@italianwaffle5592
3 жыл бұрын
@@markhorton3994 Yeah, that's the other one. You get my point though, generally. It's reasonable to infer something is ceremonial or ornamental if it looks cool and is fancy.
@markhorton3994
3 жыл бұрын
@@italianwaffle5592 I read a science fiction story about archaeology years ago. There was an archeological expedition to examine alien ruins on an extrasolar planet. They were equiped with a time viewer that took considerable time to prepare for use Meanwhile the archaeologists found a cluster of villages around a central facility. A building far larger than anything in any of the villages. A paved road connected each village with the central facility. There was evidence of some vehicular traffic. No other roads were found The archeologists condluded that the central building was ceremonial, more specifically a temple and that offerings were taken from each village to the temple. When the time viewer came on line it turned out that the central facility was the regional garbage dump and recycling center. Heavy animal drawn carts carried garbage from each village to the dump in the center. Unceremoniously. How far off are our real archaeologists assumptions with no chance of a time viewer ever becoming available?
@MrWarlord396
3 жыл бұрын
Speaking of standard-bearers, I'm interested in hearing more about them. Since the standards were so important to the Roman military for both psychological/morale reasons and practical command& coordination functions, I'd like to learn more about how the bearers were chosen, what their duties on the field were, and how often if ever they might have to defend the standard personally in battle
@russko118
3 жыл бұрын
up
@reybladen3068
3 жыл бұрын
In the movie Kagemusha, there was a battle scene where they don't show the battle but they show the commander instead, receiving reports and giving orders. I support your suggestion, a video on standard bearers and other kind of troops like messengers and musicians would be awesome.
@Sketch_Sesh
3 жыл бұрын
I imagine standard bearers were like the team mascot in football. They ran ahead like a 1st down marker and the team defended them with their lives as it was a great dishonor and shame for them to fall. Their job was to keep the legion moving forward
@GinoLuccio
3 жыл бұрын
+1 I too enjoy learning about the tactics of the old Roman formations. The amount of training required just to keep the cohesion is staggering, even with an officer for each line in the unit. I wonder how big of a part, if any, the standard bearers would play in this.
@jaimemontejano8201
3 жыл бұрын
I read that, if a new recruit knew how to read and write, he would say so to the cornicularis, who apart from playing his instrument to deliver certain Battle signals, coordinated the "secretaries" of the legion. If you were a sharp dude , particularly skilled in organization and book kepping, you could be promoted to signifer, who wasnt the standard bearer, he carried the open hand which reminded the soldiers about their sworn Duty to the Emperor,AND he was also in charge of the pension s of the soldiers, hence the necessary skills in organization and maths. The aquilifer, the dude that carried the eagle, was this guy's superior, but idk how that last promotion worked. I suppose if the aquilifer retired or died in battle (quite possible since the enemy would target him especially for moral value,i suppose) they'd chose the oldest signifer, or the most qualified
@Sketch_Sesh
3 жыл бұрын
I’m pretty sure the masks acted as a windshield protecting the riders face from dirt, rocks & sticks kicked up by other horses
@RestitutorEuropa
3 жыл бұрын
That’s a very good point actually.
@stefanodadamo6809
3 жыл бұрын
like cycling goggles, say
@flashfm7456
3 жыл бұрын
Good point. People wore travelling masks in Elizabethan times, and presumably other ages, too.
@Sketch_Sesh
3 жыл бұрын
@@stefanodadamo6809 Even an insect flying into your face or eye at 30mph sucks. One time I was driving a scooter with an open face helmet in south italy and a bee flew into the space between my face and ear guard, needless to say I almost wrecked!
@gotyoubitch1628
3 жыл бұрын
And why not have them protect FROM BLOWS IN BATTLE? 🤦🏻
@klayd2929
3 жыл бұрын
Something to consider: When engaged in combat, tunnel vision kicks in so peripheral vision is almost non-existant. A soldier is trained to assess the situation by turning the head fully back and fourth because helmet or not, vision would undoubtedly be greatly reduced during periods of intense combat, along with fine motor functions to a degree based off training
@mnk9073
3 жыл бұрын
THIS, I can still hear our sergeant yell "SCANNING!" if we didn't keep our heads on a swivel in basic...
@Nonsense010688
3 жыл бұрын
I would also add that given the nature of formation melee, I think that peripheral vision isn't as important then in modern combat. Maybe more important for the cavalry, but if you are standing in the battle line with an enemy directly in front of your, I think you probably will be busy with whats directly in front of you.
@seanduffy6231
3 жыл бұрын
When I'm sparring with sword an shield or spear and shield, peripheral vision is absolutely vital. My attack an the one of my opponent are often simultaneously and you can only focus at your own attack. The reaction to your opponents attack depends heavily on the peripheral vision. In shield-spear formations it's even more crucial: The focus is clearly on you direct opponent, but if he is no threat for a short moment, you'll doing best if you stab the guy left of him in the face. Modern warfare or Cavalry is an entire different story, I have almst no experience with that.
@treydixon5399
3 жыл бұрын
@@seanduffy6231Roman cavalry was often scouting/skirmishing. Thus, while the mask wasn't bad for peripheral vision, if a guy ever felt the need for better vision, he could pop the mask up, look around, then drop it back in place. Hacking at Gauls in close combat is a lot like using power tools: a sensible fellow uses face protection.
@seanduffy6231
3 жыл бұрын
@@treydixon5399 I totally agree, I just don't like the argument, that you don't need peripheral vision at all. With my helmet I trade in a lot of vision to gain more protection. Still, I need to see a bit of my closer environment during a fight.
@svensorensen7693
3 жыл бұрын
I had no idea these existed, they're creepy looking. Imagine facing someone who is wearing a mask and a musculata, it must seem like fighting a statue come to life. Thanks for the video!
@metatronyt
3 жыл бұрын
My throughts precisely!
@catholicracialist776
3 жыл бұрын
@@metatronyt Can you tell me what material the Arminius mask of Netflix Barbarians exists of?
@madbrosheo1514
3 жыл бұрын
Honestly, I think those masks look even freakier than the Japanese ones.
@damoriejenkins4175
3 жыл бұрын
The Japanese mask are more like angry Demons, like it’s actively trying to scare you. The Roman mask look more like somber ghost, about to steal your soul or something.
@Beardshire
3 жыл бұрын
Expressionless in combat had to have been an advantage.
@eyeballpapercut4400
3 жыл бұрын
To me both look derpy and invites me to shoot the wearer
@stanislaskowalski7461
3 жыл бұрын
The Japanese have kinda grotesque features. If they weren't on the face of professional killers, they could be rather funny. Question : how do you rank the Joker among the supervillains?
@sapientiaestudiosus9185
3 жыл бұрын
@Mad Bro Sheo It's the uncanny valley effect: your brain recognises that is a human face, but at the same time it lacks some features, and the dissonance causes the discomfort.
@thesexybatman263
3 жыл бұрын
They probably got the idea when some aztec vampires ended up at the Roman Colloseum.
@12thlegion38
3 жыл бұрын
Ah yes, my daily slice of JoJo
@richardlionerheart1945
3 жыл бұрын
haven't seen a version with a slot for a red gemstone but maybe
@omegacardboard5834
3 жыл бұрын
Is that JoJos reference?
@edim108
3 жыл бұрын
Ahm... *inhales* IS THAT A JOJO'S REFERENCE?!?!
@richardlionerheart1945
3 жыл бұрын
@@edim108 no
@derpatrizier
3 жыл бұрын
I was watching a demonstration of Roman Cavalry and one of the riders wore a mask. Sitting on his horse, he turned his head and looked at me. This gave me the chills, because you are confronted by an emotionless opponent. The effect was really quite frightening. Especially because I felt already quite vulnerable by standing on the ground, not knowing how I would deal with an avalanche of charging cavalry. Bear in mind that this was in bright daylight and the charge was just a demonstration.
@Floreal78
3 жыл бұрын
Saw several of these at a local museum hosting a touring exhibit from a bulgarian museum, they do have a very cold and scary appearence, almost supernatural.
@MrPh30
3 жыл бұрын
Hooves and clank and rattle of armour ,some commands in various ranges and sides is heard . The out of the fog comes several lines of masked cavalry troops galloping,new command sounds and they form line almost knee to knee close and goes into the all charge the last distance like some nightmareas of eternal end .
@Sk0lzky
3 жыл бұрын
Based shit innit
@janczaplinski658
3 жыл бұрын
It must be C E R E M O N I A L Edit: I knew there was going to be a reference here
@janczaplinski658
3 жыл бұрын
Also: a mace strike to the face goes brr
@jus_sanguinis
3 жыл бұрын
Truth.
@mr.mischiefiknowyourpasswo8224
3 жыл бұрын
Yup ceremonial/ ritualistic coming from historians or archeologists usually means that :" We have no idea "
@gotyoubitch1628
3 жыл бұрын
Its plain evident it was used for combat, just like all full helmets were. A roman "great helm". End of the frigging story. I know I would use that. And anyone else used that. It has always been used. Feudal Era turks used well known moustached visors. It is a fucking helmet visor. Simple as fuck. 0 MYSTERY.
@andyarken7906
3 жыл бұрын
@@gotyoubitch1628 Not so sure about that. These things look very thin and their artful face-like contour may not make them super stable either, so I doubt they provide the same kind of protection as a full helmet.
@guypierson5754
3 жыл бұрын
I can well imagine if I was a young lad from a well to do family, riding with the cavalry as a way to advance my position and my family status, I would be pretty scared, cause we are gonna tangle with barbarians. They eat people, don't you know. So a mask that makes me look calm and deadly AND protects my face? That's a winner.
@marcolinosalgarone9442
3 жыл бұрын
I think is more effective for your troop not to see someone cry
@GAMER123GAMING
2 жыл бұрын
This sounds like something a renaissance writer would write...
@gerardjagroo
11 ай бұрын
I wouldn't be so worried about fighting the Celtic barbarians, not even those in Germania. It's the Parthians and Sasssanids who would give me sleepless nights. As good as the Roman cavalry were, they were completely outmatched by the Cataphracts whose lances were longer and said to be able to pierce through the Roman Scutum shield as if it was made of paper. This is to say nothing of the _Super!_ annoying horse archers.
@benjaminstevens4468
3 жыл бұрын
They wore the masks because they look absolutely terrifying, the Uncanny Valley in it’s full effect!
@metatronyt
3 жыл бұрын
Very much so!
@chenoaholdstock3507
3 жыл бұрын
I love masks like this. I find them so much more fun and interesting than regular helmets. I am delighted to know that places other than Japan did this. Amazing video, as always.
@budabead
3 жыл бұрын
What he said :)
@gequitz
3 жыл бұрын
Some other people used them too. Persia, India, etc. Not exactly a mask, but I really like Tlingit armor www.reddit.com/r/ArmsandArmor/comments/alhqp6/alaskan_tlingit_warrior_with_wooden_slat_armor/
@Intranetusa
3 жыл бұрын
Masks were also used in ancient and medieval China, India, Iran, steppes, etc.
@gmann215
3 жыл бұрын
Iron face masks were used at least until the 16th century in China, though they were not ubiquitous. You hear mention of them in accounts of Ming era armour, as well as descriptions the Tie Ren, one of the more infamous units fielded by Koxinga after the Ming dynasty fell.
@todorminchev2123
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, they look awesome, i personal find the kipchak and cuman face masks similarly intresting
@mephistopheles4269
3 жыл бұрын
I have always been fascinated by those masks, and I also think that they were used in battle by experienced riders. The great advantage of them is, that the enemy doesn't see your facial expression, so basically he has to fight against an emotionless being, which will absolutely disturb his fighting moral. Ty for making a video about them, they are real peaces of art and an important source of inspiration for further armor.
@RSBurgener
3 жыл бұрын
It sounds to me like sometimes they used them, sometimes they didn't. Maybe some warriors wore them and some did not. It protects the face and intimidates the enemy. It's a tool that met the warrior's needs and they probably used them if they felt like they needed them. That's probably the simplest explanation, right?
@jairoukagiri2488
3 жыл бұрын
Or could afford them/ancestral. If a Vestal virgin priestess gave you a mask for some reason, you'd wear it, unless offending them and the gods somehow seemed more feasible. Nevermind the perpensity for masks today. Tsarion has said if it's happening today it happened in any given time period.
@RSBurgener
3 жыл бұрын
@@jairoukagiri2488 love it! Great observation! 👏👏
@pierren___
3 жыл бұрын
Probably A High officer reserved gift
@magnuscoles5010
3 жыл бұрын
Persian cataphracts did have masks so it makes sense that the romans might adapt them too
@secario2135
3 жыл бұрын
also the late Roman choke cavalry wear masks he forgot to mention this in the video
@irispaiva
3 жыл бұрын
If the Japanese used masks, I can't see why the Romans couldn't
@carlosandleon
3 жыл бұрын
But the japanese put bigger eye holes at least
@perrytran9504
3 жыл бұрын
More importantly, the Persians did. The Persians and Romans were rivals for a long time and definitely influenced each other's military doctrine. This is especially the case with cavalry, as the Romans had to adapt to the Persian's (at the time) unique heavy cavalry by fielding their own.
@Intranetusa
3 жыл бұрын
Soldiers in China, Iran, India, steppes, Japan, etc all used masks. However, you generally want bigger eye holes for these masks.
@vtsoi4413
3 жыл бұрын
perhaps it is because the way the roman helmets are designed. don't know for sure.
@Batman-jq9jq
3 жыл бұрын
@@perrytran9504 did the persians really wore masks at war?? I really want to know
@brownie_ber7erk3r42
3 жыл бұрын
The likelihood of my comment being seen is rather limited, so this might be a waste of effort. However, I actually did a paper late last year precisely on the Roman Cavalry Mask. It's actually a really facinating topic to delve into, and especially as it relates to the cavalry itself. To cut a several thousand word long paper short, most of the evidence points to these masks most definately being used in an active role with the cavalry, and indeed on the battlefield. In particular, they fit well into the role of being the equipment of the 'elite.' They would have likely been instantly recognisable on the field, which means they would have made officers and leaders easy to point out and rally behind. They are also almost always part of a unique and very specialised helmet design, which both allowed for plumes and greater mobility in turning the neck while keeping it protected. So it's not much to add on to what the Metatron talked about, but just as much as they were possibly a symbol of fear for the enemy, they were a rallying sign and a symbol of virtue to the Romans themselves. They were highly functional, and found regularly near Roman Cavalry Formations, such as the Ala, were located. They're super cool, and I'm glad to see them get some love.
@jairoukagiri2488
3 жыл бұрын
Makes sense to me, it's an added cost with a benefit. May limit vision but its protective, and losing a nose was a big deal in the weregild cultures. People today think of combat as being like today, bit in the medieval period, imagine being sued by a neighboring tribe over defacing a living opponent. You may have won a duel for honor and battle but you'd still owe him some sheep for chopping off his snoze or giving a good scar. Good research, masks can also help of you look ambiguous in general, if someone holds fire until you get closer it's helpful. If it's common among your own people. It's like supposing about ancient espionage. If you can't blend in with the group it's futile. If you can show up masked with a fancy helmet and be accepted, it's a serious boon.
@Sikandros
3 жыл бұрын
nice
@juliuscaesare2666
3 жыл бұрын
Do you like area sacra. Argentina from alberto angela?
@DarkDraconX1
3 жыл бұрын
Ahh yes. My favorite mask.
@dariuss3558
3 жыл бұрын
When it"s purge day and you are going for a Roman theme this year
@MrNuserame
3 жыл бұрын
Seen the Nijmegen mask in the Nijmegen museum, its the one with the crowd of heads. Pretty stunning craftsmanship even after going through considerable abuse and aging.
@zinaida3833
3 жыл бұрын
I have a replica of a calvary mask, and I agree with the point you made about peripheral vision. While I can easily see in front of me, I need to turn my entire head to see anything to the side or below me.
@mnk9073
3 жыл бұрын
@won doyouwant One would think so, yet there are so many examples of cavalry helmets who offer even less downward visibility. The mask at least allows you to actually move your head accordingly. My guess is it depends on the role: Scouts and light cavalry would most likely not wear them, but if you act as heavy-ish cavalry who's expected to stick around for some time at least your front ranks would very much love that additional layer of protection.
@jeankuhl5064
3 жыл бұрын
@@mnk9073 Besides, as far as I know most of these Roman masks were hinged. They could have been used just like your average medieval bascinet in that respect - visor down during the charges, or lifted up as needed.
@hebl47
3 жыл бұрын
I love it when Metatron encounters the word ceremonial.
@Riceball01
3 жыл бұрын
With the mask on, Raff looks like he's the member of an ancient Roman version of Jaberwocky. He needs to get more of those masks and equip his friends with them, while wearing helmets & armor, and record some dance videos. They could be called Jaberwockus. :D
@AdamTehranchiYT
3 жыл бұрын
Perhaps the masks were uncommon on the battlefield due to overheating? They sound pretty heavy (for a mask), they have tiny to non-existent mouth openings, and are made of metal pretty close to one's face. On the other hand they would offer good protection. Another good video Metatron!
@martytu20
3 жыл бұрын
That's true for armour in general. You have to pick between protection, comfort and breath-ability.
@darthcalanil5333
3 жыл бұрын
but that's the thing. They wouldn't have been and more restrictive or heavier than the even more common medieval helmets that knights wore all the time
@AdamTehranchiYT
3 жыл бұрын
@@martytu20 Truth! Which makes me wonder what choices lead to them being relatively obscure.
@AdamTehranchiYT
3 жыл бұрын
@@darthcalanil5333 they do seem closer to the face and restrictive with metal than a medieval helmet especially one with breath slits which was made later. It might still be worth it for the additional protection though.
@ostrowulf
3 жыл бұрын
I beleive it was during Caesar's civil war that I am remembering an account of Romans using pilums as spears to hold off cavalry, aiming for the face. I feel after seeing something like that (which I am sure happened else where, including Celts and Germans using spears to do that), a number of cavalry men may feel a desire to protect their face. Considering they bought their own armour, and it was not as standardized as we like to portray it, I see no reason why at least some would not wear them.
@Philipp.of.Swabia
3 жыл бұрын
Archeologists find anything they don’t understand: CEREMONIAL!!! It is for instance claimed that winged great helmets were „ceremonial“ .____. Bullshit, we even have evidence that they were used in battle, as well as tournaments, it wasn’t all about practicality, the knights also wanted to look intimidating and/or fancy, and the same stuff goes for the romans 🤷🏼♂️
@mnk9073
3 жыл бұрын
A lot of people fall into the trap of expecting our ancestors to have been beings of perfect rationality and solely focused on practicallity when a brief glance at our fellow humans today proofs that we are still anything but. We have sources about the Samnites taking the field in mirror polished armour sporting outrageous plumes on their equally polished helmets, Roman generals lamenting how uncivilised it was for their foe to force them to battle without giving them time to fix their crests or polish their vexilla, a Roman senator sneering about the Etruscans wearing all their jewelry and their finest tunics to do battle, reliefs showing the warriors of the sea peoples wearing all kinds of outlandish accessories not to mention the mesoamerican battle costumes. Looking flashy is good for morale so who are we to judge the bling of war?
@Philipp.of.Swabia
3 жыл бұрын
@@mnk9073 exactly
@The_InfantMalePollockFrancis
3 жыл бұрын
@@mnk9073 humans today consume wayyyy more media than humans did back then and they had more reason to be practical. People today don't have a very good, true understanding of battle, just what they've perceived in mainstream media and literature. That's why every single film modernises or decorates armour and stuff like that. People should not wear such helmets in battle because for one, it can get in the way of one's own swings of their weapon, for two it creates a bigger target in a very delicate area, and three people can grab the wings and horns. Stop being fanciful.
@elssir1537
2 жыл бұрын
As an archaeologist I confirm we tend to put all unknown stuff into 'Ceremonial', 'Votive' or 'religious' groups. Of course with the mask its something different. But with many things we just have zero idea what the hell it is supposed to be. Anyway thats why experimental archaeology has its place.
@thearmlesturtle7845
3 жыл бұрын
Did you grow up learning English because it is pretty much perfect like you barely have an accent
@carlosandleon
3 жыл бұрын
I think he lived in the UK for a while
@metatronyt
3 жыл бұрын
Hi There and Thank you. No, I didn't grow up with English, but I did move to England in my late teens, and lived there for a couple of years, which helped.
@catholicracialist776
3 жыл бұрын
@@metatronyt Can you tell me what material the Arminius mask of Netflix Barbarians exists of?
@tommasobergamaschi4277
3 жыл бұрын
This one was a must after the japanese mask video you did 😁
@RestitutorEuropa
3 жыл бұрын
Rule 1 of historical research: if you can’t figure out what something is, assume it’s ceremonial or religious.
@MandalorV7
3 жыл бұрын
Or used for sex in some way.
@LoisoPondohva
3 жыл бұрын
@@MandalorV7 archeologists in 3021 digging up modern armor vests: "Well, it didn't cover arms and legs, and it wouldn't protect from the laser space cannons used around the same century, so they couldn't possibly be of any military use. They must've used it for annual ceremonial viking-themed orgies in the Capitol building.
@marcolinosalgarone9442
3 жыл бұрын
you don' t know how many time it become true
@Borderose
3 жыл бұрын
Some archeologists in the 3000's are gonna assume a lot of us worshipped Mickey Mouse.
Salve Metatron Regarding cerimonial/parade equipment, at the Museo archeologico nazionale di Napoli, there is a crocodile skin armor, used by romans in Egypt. Never found more info about it but, if the information about it’s purpose is accurate (and that’s a big if) at least there is some empirical evidence for cerimonial equipment
@jairoukagiri2488
3 жыл бұрын
Nice point, ceremony does depend on the parade. Parade uniforms are a modern and ancient staple. Added pomp for foreign crowds, you have to appease the locals after all. Plus croc hide is tough, not as good as steel banding but hey, substantially tougher than skin or cloth. Plus that psyche factor, if you worship Sobek you wouldn't risk the offense. It may insult that foreigners wear it but martial respect is its own thing.
@td370
3 жыл бұрын
The Roman helmet with a mask is very reminiscent of Anglo-Saxon helmets that have the faces built into the helmet
@matthiuskoenig3378
3 жыл бұрын
Surely it's the otherwaybround, seeing as the Roman ones predate the saxon ones by a number of centuries
@td370
3 жыл бұрын
Matthius you know what I meant
@miketacos9034
3 жыл бұрын
Dwight: "I saw it on the engravings, I thought it was ceremonial. Turns out... it's pretty realistic."
@budabead
3 жыл бұрын
dude... Raff, I am just now realising - you are coming up to a half a MILLION subscribers daaaaaaaamn! So happy for you! Been here since the release of Sekiro - with your help I have learned so much about history and hand gestures i can barely phantom! Thank you! have a great day EDIT: matter of fact come to think of it - you were a major inspiration for me starting to actually buckle down and learn Japanese (English not being my native language either) not anywhere near in the neighbourhood of "conversation" level yet, but the spark is there. Often times reading thru comments on your releases and can't help but think you breed a lot of positivity & creativity simply by....taking the time, effort to dumb down a lot of in-depth concepts and have a cracking sense of humour to boot. Keep doing what you're doing good sir
@MysticOwlz
3 жыл бұрын
I always wondered this question after playing For Honor and seeing all Centurions mask options
@pedronunes8766
3 жыл бұрын
It makes sense they would use it... many other cultures of the same eras used them on and off Horse. It did for sure give extra layer of protection and have a big psychological and moral impact.
@PPPPPPPPPPP25
3 жыл бұрын
Metatron could you make some videos about the helmets and gear of the high ranking officers in the Roman army in the imperial era
@gerardjagroo
11 ай бұрын
This is the classic Metatron that I like. No politics no culture war, just cool ancient stuff.
@MrPh30
3 жыл бұрын
If you come across the excellent series " War and Civillisation" there is a reenactment of the Teutoburg forrest with a Roman cavalryman wearing a mask. Later on you see the mask laying alone on the green floor of death in the dark woods .
@dwaneanderson8039
3 жыл бұрын
If a mask is custom made to fit a particular user's face, it would be possible to put the eye openings very close to the wearer's eyes. The closer an opening is to your eye, the smaller the opening can be and still allow good vision. This could give a mask an advantage over pretty much all visored helmets, as visors can't be as close to your eyes as a mask. I'm not saying the mask is actually better overall (I suspect a helmet visor could absorb a hard blow more safely), but the mask might provide better vision.
@LeonidasSparta-Fun-History
3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely amazing video! Just wanted to say how great your format is and how you cover the information in such a logical and easy to follow way! Great job mate!
@gorila2609
3 жыл бұрын
I loved the video, it is very informative. I had been looking info about this topic for a long time and there is not a lot of videos about this on youtube, there is a one hour long video around there somewhete but this is short and good! Awesome job man
@baraka629
3 жыл бұрын
It's possible that there were few findings of such masks on the battlefield because the soldiers wearing them were the most important and best protected, so in other terms they would be the least likely to fall, leaving such an artifact behind on the field.
@sabbe_satta_bhavantu_sukhi7226
3 жыл бұрын
I found a nazi!
@RestitutorEuropa
3 жыл бұрын
@@sabbe_satta_bhavantu_sukhi7226 Aw boo hoo
@baraka629
3 жыл бұрын
@@sabbe_satta_bhavantu_sukhi7226 congrats man!
@sabbe_satta_bhavantu_sukhi7226
3 жыл бұрын
@@RestitutorEuropa awww, how cute! The LARPer acknowledged me!
@sabbe_satta_bhavantu_sukhi7226
3 жыл бұрын
@@baraka629 no problem! Try LARPing a little less!
@user-ti4bm4md5y
3 жыл бұрын
Figting against such a man would be terrifying for rookies. If masked soldier would also be silent when fighting. Just imagine how he slowly but surely wining you. And making 0 noise.
@ATurkeySandwichGAME
3 жыл бұрын
How about aurelian and his golden mask, was it something he would wear a lot, or was this just a thing when he was in the cavalry
@jaojao1768
3 жыл бұрын
Is there any ancient source that actually mentions that Aurelian wore a mask? I thought it was just in modern illustrations
@ATurkeySandwichGAME
3 жыл бұрын
I guess thats what i was trying to ask in a round about way. I figured he would wear on when he served in the cavalry, but did he actually wear the golden mask? And if he did how often was it worn?
@jaojao1768
3 жыл бұрын
@@ATurkeySandwichGAME I am not that well read on Aurelian (I am more interested in the Late Republic and Principate) but I looked through some sources. I searched in a translation of Aurelian's biography in the Historia Augusta and found no mentions of the word "mask". The summary of his reign in the Epitome de Caesaribus only says that he "first introduced among the Romans a diadem for the head, and he used gems and gold on every item of clothing to a degree almost unknown to Roman custom". The coins from his reign also tend to show him either with a laurel wreath or a solar crown, not with a mask
@jairoukagiri2488
3 жыл бұрын
@@jaojao1768 Diadems are a Persian thing, the term itself even. Good question, gold is more ceremonial than iron/steel/bronze. Ceremonial masks are common in most cultures, if you intend to embody a deity or archetype you must look the part, still practiced by frats and navies in various regards.
@jaojao1768
3 жыл бұрын
@@jairoukagiri2488 yes, diadems were originally a Persian headgear but since Alexander the Great they had become a symbol of Hellenistic kingship (famously Mark Antony tried to give Caesar a diadem, which he refused, at the Lupercalia). Indeed masks are common in many cultures but I think we need some textual or pictoral evidence to actually conclude that Aurelian wore one
@YeS1711
3 жыл бұрын
I think there's a point to be added about the mask design. In the same way that corynthian helmets restrict peripheral vision but not frontal vision *because* they were intended in the phalanx, where you fight what's in front of you (usually another phalanx in the opposite direction). Thus peripheral vision CAN be logically sacrificed for extra protection when making the mask because the wearer is not only at horse height against infantry, but when fighting other cavalry in melee the focus is on the enemy rider ahead. And like Metatron said by moving slightly you cover the immediate left and right as needed. Overall great analysis Metatron! Love this content
@geminiblue6677
3 жыл бұрын
Maybe standard bearers & cavalry dont carry scutum so they need extra protection ?
@schlirf
3 жыл бұрын
Cavalry training the Infantry to get used to losing...I LIKE that concept! "If You Ain't CAV!" (Ahem...Si non eques, non dignitas tua stercore!)
@HandleMyBallsYouTube
3 жыл бұрын
What really gets me is that most of these masks seem to have sights comparable to something like a hounskull bascinet, which completely flies in the face of the ''they couldn't see anything with this thing on'' theory, that most people seem to subscribe to, that and the fact there's no visor lock which means the visor would be fairly easy to lift if need be.
@GraupeLie
2 жыл бұрын
As a horse rider, I now would actually love to try riding with a mask, just to see what it's like. I can say, however, that I don't see why you'd need to SEE the reins while riding. You're holding them, you feel the connection to the horse's head through them, so unless you drop them, you don't need to look at them at all. In fact, you shouldn't look down at your hands or thighs when riding - always keep your eyes between the horse's ears. Always.
@AstuteEnglishman
3 жыл бұрын
MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED! Just submitted a thesis on this :)
@averyrandomllama6516
3 жыл бұрын
Of course they wore masks like the good Roman citizens they were. Stay safe, wash your hands and stay healthy :)
@longyu9336
3 жыл бұрын
When the Antonine plague spreads and Rome is put on lockdown:
@Jtoob-z5n
2 жыл бұрын
Baaa
@fiddleback1568
3 жыл бұрын
The Mask found in Teutoburg Forest was covered in a think sheet of silver. The silver was removed and the mask placed on the redoubt as a symbolic representation of a Roman.
@GinoLuccio
3 жыл бұрын
Very cool, I didn't even know the Roman military used masks. I definetly can see it helping in the shock value, just imagine 40 fully armored masked heavy cavalry riding towards you. Even with a pike at your defense that'd be damned scary! Thanks for another cool video.
@lukeorlando4814
3 жыл бұрын
I underestimated how creepy that mask was until you put it on
@dima_keller
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome to see get such a sponsor. Love your channel, love your videos
@markfergerson2145
3 жыл бұрын
Could be situation-dependent too. Getting rid of body heat in battle is always a problem especially from the forehead and scalp, the brain's primary "radiator" area (look up "emissary veins"). Perhaps masks were more likely to be used in cooler climates than in hot? Can't have entire legions going down from heat exhaustion.
@rolandhofmeister7390
3 жыл бұрын
If trevel is possible again, be sure to visit Straubing in Bavaria. We habe a buch of these masks in our Gäubodenmuseum.
@mireillelebeau2513
3 жыл бұрын
The holes in the upper part of the mask suggest that the mask should be attached to a helmet. (13`05) If you go to the trouble of attaching the mask to the helmet, it’s probably because the person wearing the mask is moving more than he would in a parade. This leads us to think that definitely the masks were worn during real battles.
@marcuszc3172
Жыл бұрын
The second one you show is found in nijmegen and is exhibited in the museum where i work .. its gorgeous
@svagglaorde4387
3 жыл бұрын
Therapist: Don't worry Ancient Roman Cavalry of Micheal Miyers doesn't exist. Ancient Roman Cavalry of Micheal Miyers: 8:40
@dakjac5087
3 жыл бұрын
So Aurelian could've very well worn a mask in ceremonial and campaigning dysplays. Sick
@vodkalover4204
3 жыл бұрын
INCREDIBILIS
@wamken619
3 жыл бұрын
INCONTINENS
@vodkalover4204
3 жыл бұрын
ETIAM
@Bundesverfassungsgehirn
3 жыл бұрын
INFIRMUS
@versi_9948
3 жыл бұрын
I was looking for For Honor reference comment xD
@KenzieScarlett
3 жыл бұрын
Loved the video, sugar! Thought it was really good! 💛
@metatronyt
3 жыл бұрын
Ah thank you pie :)
@leppeppel
3 жыл бұрын
CDC: Wear a mask! The Metatron: Gloria Romae!
@dreammfyre
3 жыл бұрын
Random idea for a video: You should make a video where you go thru the weapons in Dark Souls 1 and talk about their real world equivalent and how close they are in terms of attributes/traits. I.e. are light/quick weapons IRL also that in-game etc?
@yaboyed5779
3 жыл бұрын
Get this man a spot on history channel.
@Philipp.of.Swabia
3 жыл бұрын
Hey Metatron, I have a question about Roman hairstyles, in one of my books, that I recently read was a picture of Arminius, he was wearing Roman armor and all, but had very long hair, and although he was German, he did adopt the Roman culture ( at first ) so my question was, if there were long hair styles for men in the Roman culture, or if that was just something that he kept from his original culture, or if the illustrator of the book just made something up.
@michaelpettersson4919
3 жыл бұрын
I didn't know that the roman cavalry used masks. Some new knowledge to pick up.
@angbandsbane
3 жыл бұрын
Before watching, I'm going to guess "not always" since Caesar's strategy at Pharsalus hinged on his skirmishers stabbing up at Pompey's cavalrymen's faces so the equite pretty boys ran off rather than risk getting their faces scarred.
@theknightofart8169
3 жыл бұрын
I love Roman cavalry masks! Nice video as always! :)
@torianholt2752
3 жыл бұрын
Another great illustrative and comprehensive video Raph 👍
@mrh4900
3 жыл бұрын
I actually find the Roman masks far more off putting than the Japanese demon masks... just something about them.
@diguac
3 жыл бұрын
The mask in the middle of the thumbnails looks really... ugh, what's the word..? *INCREDIBILIS*
@thgentleman9210
3 жыл бұрын
These masks would be terrifying on calvary. Buetiful craftsmanship of armory and art.
@egelinpropertygroup
3 жыл бұрын
I suggest the mask that has the option that would allow for the eyes to be closed! That way one can get some shut eye with all light blocked out lol. Seriously I enjoyed the video. Well done all-around 👏.
@socalcraigster
3 жыл бұрын
William Shatner’s face was the template for all those ancient masks. Knowledge is power!
@dragonhelmofdor-lomin4017
3 жыл бұрын
Maybe Michael Myers mask from Halloween was based on Roman cavalry masks, just like the Italian Barbute was based on the Greek Corinthian helmet.
@wouternicolai5572
3 жыл бұрын
Allthough we should allways be carefull with conclusions from trying things out, I noticed some interesting things when doing mounted gladiator fights. The face is by far the easiest target to reach by thrusting over the shield. With the hasta, you may have time enough to defend with your own weapon. With a spatha however you are very likely to not have time enough to react, also concidering the higher speed at which horse charges happen and the fact that the shield hand might not be as mobile, because it also holds the reins. Especialy in situations where a roman cavalryman could expect encounters between horsemen, a facemask might provide a conciderable advantage. I find the facemask easier to ride with then my 15th century armour. The visibility is slighly beter then my sallet and bevor due to neck being completel free, the exhaustion from the closed visor is very similar.
@secario2135
3 жыл бұрын
finally the video i was waiting for a long time ago
@michaelcherry8952
3 жыл бұрын
A little known theory is that too many of the cavalry were being hit in the face with pucks, so the masks were adopted to avoid having to replace goalies during major battles. (see Jacqueus Planteus) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goaltender_mask
@swissmilitischristilxxii3691
3 жыл бұрын
LOL
@mm-ir1ii
3 жыл бұрын
i have been waiting for this video for sooooooo long thank you so much metatron
@maxtyson9035
3 жыл бұрын
Nice video brother.
@metatronyt
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@DiocletianLarius
3 жыл бұрын
It's kinda interesting the impact that the Teutoburg battle mask got in pop culture. Arminius is usually represented wearing that mask wether is in games (Total war:Rome 2) or series (Barbarians) even if don't really have a lot of evidence on that
@antoaniusiii9364
3 жыл бұрын
I personally think that, they were used the same way as the japaneese ones.
@pavolverescak1712
3 жыл бұрын
Could you make a video about cumas/eastern european medieval war masks?
@jairoukagiri2488
3 жыл бұрын
I do find those interesting, like they appear in the viking Vendel period and Vend/Wend is a term for Slavic neighbors. Even Saxons had mask-helmets, curious where it pervades from. Meanwhile Scythia is so buried historically it's genuinely shady. I've read enough on my own to de-validate my own HS education. Seriously, they traded golden fleeces to the Greeks and AoE can't even mention them, sh!t's sketchy. It'd be like omitting Spain from modern history 'because they didn't participate in WWx'
@jeankuhl5064
3 жыл бұрын
@@jairoukagiri2488 The one Anglo-Saxon masked helmet we do have, and by far the most notorious of all - the Sutton Hoo helmet - is actually believed to have been modeled after late Roman ridge helmets, sharing with them such conspicuous features as its cheek guards, a large neck guard, and the central ridge that characterizes the late Roman originals - though the bowl, interestingly enough, is made of one piece, meaning the ridge is mostly just decorative in this case. What's more, though I am not aware of any late Roman mask having been found (all the ones that were found so far date back to the Principate as far as I know), the fact that the visibly Roman-inspired Sutton Hoo helmet bears one indicates that late Roman helmets may themselves have featured similar masks, like their earlier counterparts.
@robertsweeney4457
2 жыл бұрын
It makes sense that the mask were primarily training aids for field exercises cus it can decenetise your ordinary grunt in a combat situation but if used in combat it can demoralize your enemy
@urseliusurgel4365
3 жыл бұрын
They certainly had a long history, as the remains of a number of iron, anthropomorphic face masks were discovered in Istanbul associated with a coin of the Byzantine emperor Manuel I Komnenos (r. 1143-1180).
@2012escapee1
10 ай бұрын
I remember the scene in Gladiator of the masked gladiator hacking away at Maximus. Somehow, that impassive, emotionless mask was more terrifying than a real human face. Like being attacked by a robot.
@Tennouseijin
3 жыл бұрын
It's also important to consider the type of combat the troops were most likely to participate in. When fighting on foot in tight formations, peripheral vision is crucial because you're not fighting one vs one, you're actually threatened by multiple opponents simultaneously, and you also want to threaten multiple opponents, so that if anyone nearby makes a mistake, you can punish it - not just the guy directly in front of you. For cavalry however the style of combat is vastly different, and you may have much more opportunity to focus on one opponent at a time. You'd still want to be aware of your surroundings, but unlike a footman it's not a case where "the moment you look away, you're dead".
@Technoanima
3 жыл бұрын
I believe they were used in combat for the obvious reason, flying debris rocks, glancing strikes and wearing a mask on with a standard issue helmet is less work and cheaper than commissioning a full-face helmet just for cavalry.
@Chaydex
3 жыл бұрын
One thing that would be interesting to see you cover is the different colors that Roman soldiers wear that are depicted in history books, like some are wearing blue, some white etc, are those to distinguish between different branches like different berets nowadays or just different companies etc?
@craigporter8873
3 жыл бұрын
I would like to add Raf that the Romans were human just like us, that is we tend to be very varied in our reasons and actions. Some people probably took the masks into battle for extra protection because they were worried about becoming injured in a battle or skirmish. On the other hand you would have had others who weren't as afraid and probably preferred the extra field of view at all times. In summary some took them with them into battle and some didn't, it relied on the psychology of the individual soldier. Good video by the way and very insightful, keep up the stellar work.
@sunrisemichelle3525
3 жыл бұрын
I really wanted to know how these masks were made and the process of making them. I would love if you had a video on that.
@raneknudsen4785
Жыл бұрын
Speaking as a mask maker, in my experience there is only a very slight reduction in peripheral vision. When I was still a complete newbie in the field, I made masks of clay, which are way too heavy to wear for extended periods of time, especially on your nasal bone. Now imagine how heavy a mask made of metal would be on your face. If the mask is attached to a helmet, however, this isn't much of a problem. The only problem I see here, is that a cavalry commander might sometimes need to shout orders to his men during battle, in which case a thick mask without a large mouthpiece is definitely an obstruction (notice how ancient Greek drama masks often have large mouthpieces to make sure the actors' voices carry far). This could of course be avoided by attaching the helmet with hinges, like a medieval visor helmet, so you can lift it up now and then.
@JamesAnderson-dp1dt
Жыл бұрын
From some of the books I've read, it seems that Varus (and his government) regarded Germania as essentially conquered, following the campaigns of Drusus, Tiberius, Ahenobarbus and Vinicius. If this is so, it would help explain Varus's defeat (he was expecting mop-up operations rather than heavy combat) and the cavalry masks (they expected to be going soon into garrison life, and therefore brought along their training gear).
@amaristudios8573
3 жыл бұрын
Dammit I was so proud of myself for an instant. He said "in a parade they'd just wear what they would in a battle" and I thought "no cause they had a fancier tunic for the-" and then he specified besides the tunic. I felt so smart for an instant.
@exploatores
3 жыл бұрын
I don´t think they where walking around with parade gear. when on campanie in germania or anywhere else. if it´s found on a battlefield. It was most likley a part of a soldiers equipment for battle.
@vomeronasal
3 жыл бұрын
A cavalry mask was found recently, indicating the site of at least one battle during the Teutoburg Forest Massacre of Legio XVII, XVIII, and XIX in 9 CE.
@itsteatime3435
3 жыл бұрын
Man thank goodness this channel exists, I’m really getting into Roman history and weapons etc, great vid!
@metatronyt
3 жыл бұрын
I'm glad to hear
@RestitutorEuropa
3 жыл бұрын
Thank Jupiter
@user-yr5nv2gv7m
3 жыл бұрын
@@metatronyt man sutton hoo helm! they took it from steppe/mideast, kipchaks had similar ones in middle ages...
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