Attack On a Medieval Tower

 

Byzantine Helmet -- 13th century

 

Brimmed helmets (with the "brims" sometimes little more than a flared rim) were the predominant type in the 12th-13th centuries, but during the 14th century they seem to have been displaced by the Bascinets, similar to those in Western Europe.

 

Hungarian Helmets:

A. Peceneg helmet, perhaps basically of Byzantium origin, with nomad decorations, 11th-12th century (Deri Museum Nemiya #2, Debrecan);

B. 10th-11th century Magyar helmet of directly riveted segments, decorated with copper filets (Archealogical Museum, Pecs);

C. Cuman helmet in mixed steppe and Iranian style, 13th century (National Museum, Budapest);

D. 14th century "bascinet" with "klappvisier", probably of German origin, 1380 (National; Museum, Budapest);

E. Helmet in Turkish style, Mohacs, period, early 15th century (National Museum, Budapest).

Helmets and Head-Gear

 

A. Helmet from Vatra Moldovitei possibly 12th-13th century, Byzantine origin (ex-Spinei);

B. 11th century Russian helmet, possible Byzantine origin (location unknown);

C. Engraved and inlaid, 13th-14th century helment (engraving not shown), of probable Byzantium origin, (Kremlin Armory, Moscow) ;

D. Helmet of scale construction on a felt base, poorer warriors, 15th-16th century, (National Museum, Budapest);

E. Helmet from Kalkis, supposedly Ottoman origin, but could be late Byzantine, early 15th century, (Ethnog Museum, Athens);

F. 13th century helmet, either "cerrelliere" or part of a "chapel-de-fer" (National Museum, Budapest);

G. "salet" of Italian origin (or a fake) from Serbia late 14th-15th century, (Military Museum, Belgrade);

H. "rassapka" mail coif with skull plate, 16th century, showing obvious similarity with the Ottoman "zirh kuluh" (Military Museum, Budapest);

I. Helmet catalogued as 5th century, but probably 15th-16th century Hungarian or Serbian (National Museum, Belgrade).

Military Uniforms

 

The uniforms of these Trapezuntine warriors from a 15th century tomb in Trebizond's Hagia Sofia clearly demonstrates the Turkish influence prevelent among the local Byzantine and Laz populations. The mounted figures wear white hats, yellow boots, and red coats (one with a white pattern), while the other figure below, wears a white coat and a yellow tunic.

Ref. Heath, "Byzantine Armies ---"

Game Board -- Seaport of Telico, Cyprus

 

This is a ficticious seaport drawn only for gaming.

Ottoman Hooped Iron Gun

 

This 1464 gun is identical to the pieces used against Constantinople. Kritoboulos records that the very largest of Mehmed II's guns in 1453 was 8.17 meters (26.8 feet) long, made of two halves that screwed together. The bore was 76 cm (30 inches) in the front half (for the shot) and 25 cm (10 inches) in the back half for the charge. In the illustrated example the halves weighed 8-9 tons each.

Ref. Heath, "Byzantine Armies ---"