The lamellar helmet was a type of helmet used in Europe during the Early Middle Ages. Examples are characterized by caps made from overlapping lamellar scales, in addition to a brow plate, cheek guards, and camail. They are distinct from the contemporary spangenhelm and crested helmets also found in Europe; unlike those, which are influenced by Roman designs, Lamellenhelme display eastern influence and have primarily been found in southeastern Europe. They are mostly associated with the Avars of Pannonia and the Lombards of Italy.
Reconstruction of the Lamellenhelm from Niederstotzingen. Dated 560-600 CE. This is considered as an Avar lamellar helmet.
A print of a lamellar helmet
Helmets in the "Cave of the Painters", 5th century CE
Image: Mural with warriors, Cave of the Painters, Kizil Caves (detail)
Lamellar armour is a type of body armour, made from small rectangular plates of iron or steel, leather (rawhide), bone, or bronze laced into horizontal rows. Lamellar armour was used over a wide range of time periods in Central Asia, Eastern Asia, Western Asia, and Eastern Europe. The earliest evidence for lamellar armour comes from sculpted artwork of the Neo-Assyrian Empire in the Near East.
Qin dynasty Terracotta Army soldier wearing lamellar armour
Lamellar armour worn by Koryak people
Han dynasty lamellae pieces
Song dynasty period deity wearing lamellar armoured skirt from the tomb of Wang Chuzhi
