The Bascinet: A Medieval Helmet for Protection and Mobility

Bascinet is a type of helmet that was worn by knights and other soldiers during the Middle Ages. It was designed to protect the head and neck from blows and was typically made of metal or leather. The bascinet was worn over the top of a gambeson, which was a padded jacket or tunic.

The bascinet was developed in the 14th century as an improvement over earlier types of helmets, such as the great helm and the sallet. It was lighter and more flexible than these earlier helmets, making it easier for knights to move their heads and see their surroundings while wearing it. The bascinet also provided better protection for the neck and jaw area, which were vulnerable to injury in battle.

The bascinet was worn by both infantrymen and cavalrymen, and it remained a popular form of headgear throughout the 15th century. It was eventually replaced by the more elaborate and ornate helmets of the Renaissance period, but it remains an important part of the history of medieval warfare.