Bret Devereaux

It’s always fun to see these takes, which really aren’t wrong (I’ve myself pointed out how terrible Sparta was), based solely on the helmet. Especially when you know the name of the helmet. @journalismerrrhttps://twitter.com/BretDevereaux/status/1349500689295224840 …

The point about the helmet is addressed in the linked article; that it is a Corinthian helmet; that the Spartans are sometimes thought to have preferred the pilos helmet; and that the Corinthian helmet is strongly associated with Sparta in modern political iconography.

That is not correct. The pilos type (and its eventually related konos type) are post-LBAC types. While Mycenean helmets are often conical, it doesn't seem to be a continuation of the same time.

It's also probably not correct to speak of the Corinthian helmet being a 'standard.' Care has to be exercised here; the Corinthian helmet is far over-represented in Greek artwork compared to its archaeological preservation, suggesting it was less common than the art implies.

In any event, the Corinthian helmet (like the Illyrian helmet) is oone of the older types; the CHalcidian, Konos, pilos and phrygian helmets the relatively newer types which emerged during the late archaic or classical periods.

Has a lot to do with when you ask. 7th century? More Corinthian and Illyrian types. 4th century? Corinthian is practically a dead type outside of S. Italy, with pilos/konos, Boeotian and Phrygian much more common.