Casidion

Modern replica of the Byzantine helmet

Casidion (Kassidion, from Latin cassis - metal helmet) - a type of helmet used in Byzantium in the Middle Ages .

Had a hemispherical tulle. Tied with leather chin straps. The helmet was supplied with a shock-absorbing lining, and was also often supplemented by protection of the ears and the back of the head - with chain mail or scaly burgundy . Later cacidions could have been with pointed genitalia, which is probably due to Persian influence on Byzantium. Avar , Frankish and Islamic helmets also influenced them. From the 7th century there are casidions decorated with a plume from above; their appearance is probably associated with Slavic influence. From about the 10th century, byzantium appeared masks that became widespread in the 12th century. Cassidion with a mask was called Autoprosopon.