NauticalMart Medieval Armor Samnite Battle Helmet The Samnites were an ancient tribe subjected by the Romans. Many of them had been enslaved and had to fight as gladiators from then on. The Samnites were a powerful and magnificent league of fighters armed with a plumed helmet, steel breastplate, gauntlet, greaves and a scutum. As weapons they preferred the Gladius (sword), and sometimes a lance. The Hoplomachus may have developed out of the Samnites. Head circumference: up to approx. 64 cm, Long distance (back to front): approx. 24 cm, Short distance (Ear to ear): approx. 20 cm.