The Spanish helmet that defined the era of conquest and revolution

Wars & Conflicts · Published 4 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Often mistakenly linked to the first conquistadors, the morion was actually a later innovation. From the battlefields of the English Civil War to the hood ornaments of 1950s American cars, this steel crest has left an indelible mark on global military and cultural history.

While popular imagery associates the morion with the initial conquests of Hernán Cortés or Francisco Pुizarro, the helmet was not actually in use during those specific campaigns. Instead, it emerged in Spain at the start of the 16th century and became widespread across Europe by the mid-1500s. Its design, characterized by a flat brim and a central reinforcing crest, evolved from the 15th-century Spanish 'cabasset'—a helmet whose name may derive from Catalan words for a basket or a small head.

The helmet's utility lay in its structural strength and low production costs, making it ideal for the 'pike and shot' formations of the era. In England, it was known as the 'pikeman's pot' and was essential for protecting the flanks of unarmored musketeers. During the English Civil War, the morion was so common among both Parliamentarian troops and Cavaliers that it caused significant battlefield confusion, as soldiers often could not distinguish friend from foe. This confusion eventually drove the introduction of identifiable uniforms, such as the red coats adopted by the Roundheads.

The morion's influence extended far beyond European infantry. In the Philippines, the Moro people adapted the design into elaborate brass or iron helmets featuring tall, 60 cm feathered plumes. Even in the Americas, the legacy persisted; the Comanche chief Iron Jacket famously wore captured Spanish armor as late as the 19th century. From the insignia of the Florida Army National Guard to the logo of the DeSoto automobile brand between 1928 and 1961, the morion remains a potent symbol of historical endurance.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• From straw and bramble to Kevlar, helmets kept reinventing themselves
• The First Modern Steel Helmet Was Designed for Aesthetics as Much as Protection
• Beyond the helmet: the complex anatomy of medieval protection
• From Bronze Age armor to modern accessory platforms, the combat helmet has evolved remarkably.
• From Bronze Age roots to tank hatches: the evolution of the beret
• From best friend to brainwashed villain: the many lives of Ned Leeds
• How a shared comic universe became a Netflix animation powerhouse
• The many identities of Marvel's Nighthawk: from supervillain to US President
• The man who silenced critics became the organization's most prominent whistleblower
• From comic book debut to a household name in global cinema
• The hill station where motor vehicles are forbidden
• The tragic illusion that ended the Wolverine persona forever

More in Civil wars · More in Wars & Conflicts · Latest · A–Z · All topics