Hard-headed Facts
Sunday
Helmets are old. They were first used by soldiers in the Sumerian and Akkadian civilizations approximately 2300 BC, and were likely made of leather, with bronze helmets developed by Mycenaean Greeks showing up about 600 years later.
Monday
One of the first helmets used in an American football game was leather, made by a shoemaker, and worn in a 1893 Army-Navy game by a future admiral who was advised by his doctor that additional head blows could cause him “instant insanity or death.” There is evidence of other helmet designs before this, but it wouldn’t be until 1943 that helmets were mandatory in pro football games.
Tuesday
Despite the familiar image, Viking helmets – to the extent they wore helmets at all – had no horns. The stereotype Viking headgear began in artwork and operas in the 1800s, and was based on horny headgear that predated the Viking era by 2000 years.
Wednesday
Helmets are legally required for motorcycle riders in most parts of the world, but not everywhere. In the US, the states of Illinois, New Hampshire, and Indiana currently have no helmet laws whatsoever.
Thursday
To make sure childrens’ bicycle helmets are effective, they’ve been tested on real human skulls.
Friday
Some helmets cost more than houses. The super-customized and data-packed F-35 Lightning fighter pilot’s helmet costs $400,000.
Saturday
Because they offer better side-impact protection and a chinstrap to secure them on the head better, rock climber-style helmets are replacing traditional hard hats in the construction industry.