Description

The parade equipment of Roman cavalry soldiers included richly decorated helmets with masks that hid the entire face. They were worn at traditional equestrian games. Exercises in complicated formations and mock battles between two parties are attested.

The mask from Echzell has a thin covering of silver sheet on the face. Its striking hairstyle with curls rising above her forehead is characteristic of portraits of Alexander the Great. That's why these helmets are called the Alexander type. It came into being during the time of Emperor Hadrian (117 – 138 AD), who was a great fan of equestrian games.